Gayfeather, Dense blazing star, Spiked Blazing Star, Button Snakewot, Gayfeather, Spiked Gayfeather,

Liatris spicata

Physical Characteristics

Liatris spicata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania and New Jersey to Wisconsin, south to Florida and Louisiana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antibacterial Astringent Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Stimulant Tonic VD The leaves and root are anodyne, antibacterial, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant and tonic[4, 21, 106, 238, 257]. The plant is said to be extremely efficacious when used as a local application in the treatment of sore throats and gonorrhoea[4]. It is also used in treating kidney diseases[238]. The leaves are harvested in the summer, the roots in the autumn. Both can be used fresh or dried[238].

Known Hazards

Although we have no records of toxicity for this plant, one record says that the leaves contain coumarins. These have an anti-clotting effect on the blood and can prevent natural clotting of the blood when there is a cut[K].