Popular Name:
Liatris
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Botanical Name and Pronunciation:
Liatris spicata or Liatris pycnostachya (lee-A-tris spi-KAY-ta pr pick-no-STAC-e)
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Common Name(s):
Gay-Feather, Blazing-Star, Button Snakeroot
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Color(s):
purple, white
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Form and Size:
The stems of liatris are 24 – 32 inches long. The stems resemble spikes with needle-like petals and foliage. Liatris blossoms from the top first, then down the spike-like stem.
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Vase Life:
6 – 14 days
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Availability:
year-round
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Care Instructions:
Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food.
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History and Usage:
A member of the Compositae (aster) family, liatris originated in North America. Liatris dries very well, so it is beautiful in contemporary arrangements and dried arrangements.
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Points of Interest:
Relatives of liatris include the gerbera, sunflower, aster and chrysanthemum. The blooming habits of this flower make it different from most spike-stemmed flowers and flowers in its family. Flowers on a spike normally bloom from the bottom up, unlike this flower that blooms at the top first, then down.
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Ethylene Sensitive:
No
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