Liatris

First time hike with a plant specialist yesterday - in stunning unspoilt grass and woodland. (Among lots of golden Rod).
Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star or prairie gay feather, is an herbaceous perennial plant native throughout most of eastern North America[1]. It is commonly grown in gardens for its showy purple flowers (pink or white in some cultivars). All spikes of purple flowers appear in July and August. Native to moist prairies and sedge meadows. It thrives in full sun in ordinary garden soil. Excellent for attracting birds and butterflies.