Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Liatris

Species:

Liatris gracilis var. gholsonii

USDA Symbol:

LIGH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, moths

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from corm following fire; fire maintains open habitat and reduces competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to pine flatwoods and sandhills

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light exposure and cool temperatures following cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI