Liatris tenuifolia Nutt. - Short-leaf Gayfeather
Family - Asteraceae
Stems:
Base of plant.
Leaves:
Cauline leaves.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Involucre:
Ray flowers:
Absent.
Disk flowers:
Pappus.
Flowering - June - October.
Habitat - Sandhills, open hammocks, flatwoods.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This attractive species can be found mainly in southern Alabama. The plant can be easily identified by its mostly glabrous stems, appressed-ascending cauline leaves, and few-flowered flower heads.
The genus name Liatris is of unknown derivation.
The species epithet tenuifolia derives from the Latin "tenu(i)" meaning "thin, slender" and "foli" meaning "a leaf" referring to the thin leaves of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 10-9-05.