dense blazing star

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• dense blazing-star
• florist gayfeather
• marsh blazing-star
• marsh gayfeather
• sessile blazing-star
• sessile-headed blazing-star
• blazingstar
• button snakewort
• gayfeather
• marsh blazingstar
• prairie-pine

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Suprago spicata
• Kuhnia spicata
• Lacinaria spicata
• Serratula spicata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Liatris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide range of distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within the borders of Norway. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is commonly found in Austria, Germany, and Poland. Additionally, its habitat extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically within France. Consequently, these diverse locations highlight the varied geographical reach of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Liatris spicata is characterized by its ability to thrive in diverse environments, although its presence in specific regions is often classified as introduced. It typically colonizes moist to mesic habitats, including prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and wet ditches, where it can compete effectively for space and resources. As an introduced species in certain ecosystems, it integrates into local floral communities by utilizing available sunlight and nutrient-rich soils, often establishing robust populations through its rhizomatous growth habit. Its ecological role involves supporting various pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, which are attracted to its spiked inflorescences, thereby influencing local insect biodiversity within its expanded range.

Habitat :

introduced

Life history

The life history of Liatris spicata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, a trait that allows it to persist through multiple growing seasons by utilizing its extensive underground rhizomatous root system. While its lifecycle is primarily perennial, it can exhibit variable growth patterns depending on environmental conditions and resource availability. The plant begins its seasonal development by emerging from its sturdy rhizomes in the spring, focusing initial energy on establishing foliage and a robust root network. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive vertical spikes of flower heads that facilitate sexual reproduction via seed dispersal. Following the flowering period, the above-ground biomass may die back during dormancy, but the perennial nature of the rootstock ensures survival through winter, allowing the individual to re-emerge and continue its life cycle in subsequent years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Liatris spicata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber or a liana, maintaining an independent existence as it is neither a parasite nor an epiphyte. The species is primarily terrestrial in its habitat requirements. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits variable heights, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.75 m to a maximum of 0.8 m, with a mean height recorded at approximately 1.4 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height mean:

1.4 m

Plant height min:

0.75 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Liatris spicata is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of lightweight seeds. The flowering period typically begins in July and continues through August, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces seeds with a highly specific mass profile; the average seed mass is approximately 0.003699 g, with individual seeds ranging from a minimum of 0.00201 g to a maximum of 0.004076 g.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Seed mass max:

0.004076 g

Seed mass mean:

0.003699 g

Seed mass min:

0.00201 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Liatris spicata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Germacrene D.

Germacrene D

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)