Dotted gayfeather

Liatris punctata

Very long-lived, drought tolerant native perennial with clusters of lavender-pink flowers along long stems, blooming July to October. Substantial taproot and rhizomatous lateral root system can reach 16 ft. deep and 5 ft. in spread. Occurs on well-drained sandy or rocky forest, sagebrush, grassland and prairie sites; up to 9,000 ft. elevation. Increases after disturbance. Use for restoration and as an ornamental. Fair to good browse for wild ungulates. Especially important late-season nectar source for native butterflies and moths.