Liatris pycnostachya

RHS Plant Profile
Kansas gay feather

Other common names

cat-tail gay feather, dense-spiked button snakeroot, prairie button

Herbaceous Perennial

An upright, clump-forming, short-lived perennial to 1.5m tall with basal tufts of narrow, lance-shaped dark green leaves from which arise the tall flowering stems in summer with feathery flowerheads of many small purple-pink flowers opening from top to bottom

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus
Liatris are herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers which open from the top down
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C and E USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is not wet overwinter; full sun is essential

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free