Shortleaf gayfeather
Liatris tenuifolia var. quadriflora
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:
6-12 inches; 2-3 feet when in flower.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Range:
Endemic to Florida from the Monroe County Keys north and west to the Florida Panhandle.
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.
Comments:


Roger L. Hammer
Mary Keim