Scientific name: Liatris spicata
Synonym: Liatris calilepis , Liatris callilipes , Liatris spicata callilepis
Family: ASTERACEAE
Common names: “Gay feather” “Blazing star” “button snakewort”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 4-8
Light: Full sun – part shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Average
Moisture: Prefers good moisture but tolerates drought, well drained in winter
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2-3′ W 9-18″
Leaf and Stem shape: Thin, narrow leaves
Flower: Purplish-pink flower spikes, blooms mid summer – autumn 
Maintenance: Low, if you cut it back early it will not flower, attractive flower heads in fall so maybe don’t deadhead until the full coppice in winter
Landscape use: Great filler plant, mixed borders, cottage, grass gardens, container, dr. Seuss garden
Propagate: Easily by division, and seed
Pests & Disease: Rabbits though
*Deer resistant
Comments: North American native found in marsh edges and moist meadows, exotic looking easily grown plants
Cultivars: L. s. ‘Alba’ & ‘Kobold’ – smaller more compact form
L. s. ‘Floristan Weiss’ – hard to find but very pretty with smaller more delicate flowers
Vancouver Island Grows 