Shortleaf gayfeather
Liatris tenuifolia var. tenuifolia
Asteraceae


Landscape Uses:

Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also wildflower gardens.

Ecological Restoration Notes:

Availability:
Grown by enthusiasts and occasionally by native plant nurseries.
Description:
Medium herbaceous wildflower.
Height:
4-8 inches; 2-3 feet when in flower.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Range:
Southeastern United States south to Indian River and Highlands counties; disjunct in Miami-Dade County.
Habitats:
Pinelands.
Soils:
Moist to dry, well-drained sandy or limestone soils, without humus.
Nutritional Requirements:
Low; it grows in nutrient poor soils.
Salt Water Tolerance:
Low; does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance:
Low; salt wind may burn the leaves.
Drought Tolerance:
High; does not require any supplemental water once established.
Light Requirements:
Full sun.
Flower Color:
Rose-purple.
Flower Characteristics:
Showy flowering spikes.
Flowering Season:
Summer-fall.
Fruit:
Inconspicuous achene.
Wildlife and Ecology:
Nectar plant for butterflies. Attracts native bees and other beneficial insects. Valuable source of insects for birds.
Horticultural Notes:
Can be grown from seed.
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