Liatris aspera
The name “Liatris” is of unknown origin, and the species name “aspera” means “rough,” referring to its rough appearance. It manages to bloom in the mid-summer, when the temperatures are blazing hot. This composite has only disk flowers that are star-like, hence the name “blazing star.”
| Scientific Name: | Liatris aspera |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Common Name: | Rough Blazing Star |
| Authority: | Michx. |
| Etymology: | The name “Liatris” is of unknown origin, and the species name “aspera” means “rough,” referring to its rough appearance. |
| C Value: | 7 |
| Wetness: | UPL |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 8 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) |
| Flower # of Parts: | 5 |
| Flower Color: | Purple, Pink |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | Entire |
| Stem Surface: | |
| Trunk/Bark: | |
| Armature: | |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Prairie, Savanna, Roadside, Fields |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | aspera means "rough." It has very few (<15) flower heads. The bracts are scarious (which means they are thin, membranous). |
| Gee Whiz: | |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |