Liatris spicata


Quick Characteristics:

Height: 60-100 cm (2-3.3 ft)
Flower Colors: purple
Flower Season: mid summer
Life form: corm
 

Liatris spicata is a widely cultivated herbaceous hardy perennial, typically available in white and purple. Corms bought in winter will flower in late summer. More information about it can be found here. Although a member of Asteraceae, the flowers are not classic daisies as they have no ray florets. However, comparing photos 5 and 6 with those of the details of a more daisy like flower such as Dahlia reveals that what might appear to be wispy petals are extra large styles. Pictures by David Pilling.

Liatris spicata, David PillingLiatris spicata, David PillingLiatris spicata, David PillingLiatris spicata, David PillingLiatris spicata 16th August 2013, David PillingLiatris spicata 16th August 2013, David Pilling

Photo 1 shows corms as bought from a supermarket in early April; the coin is around 1 inch in diameter. Photo 2 confirms the description given at EOL: "The leaves are linear in shape and their margins are smooth (entire). Each leaf has a distinct central vein. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are light to medium green and glabrous to sparsely hairy." Photos 3 and 4 show the details of an individual floret. Photos 5 and 6 are of ripening seed.

Liatris spicata corms, David PillingLiatris spicata leaf rib, David PillingLiatris spicata 22nd August 2013, David PillingLiatris spicata 22nd August 2013, David PillingLiatris spicata 5th October 2013, David PillingLiatris spicata 1st November 2013, David Pilling

Seed photo and ripe seed stand.

Liatris spicata seed 6th November 2013, David PillingLiatris spicata seed stands 24th November 2018, Martin Bohnet


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Page last modified on August 12, 2019, at 12:21 PM
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