Most of us know liatris as a cut flower, popular with florists. The upright flower spikes are covered in small purple, button-like flowers. In the garden they are fabulous. In fact, the entire genus is from Eastern North America, found in variable habitats from rich streambank soils to poor sandy dunes. There are about 35 species with flowers confined to white or various shades of lavender. As flowering plants they all produce upright spikes with flowers that resemble round florets with fine purple or white hairs that are actually tiny tubes. Common names include gay feather, blazing star, snake root and button snake root.

Two plants share a common name of button snake root, yet only Eryngium yuccifolium (the other snake root) actually helps with a snake bite. Liatris, it seems, was used for liver and bladder ailments, occasionally for snake bites, but with no success. I never hesitate to order corms of various liatris every year. I find them highly ornamental and joyfully rugged. As I try various species it becomes quite clear that our common Liatris spicata or blazing star is possibly the least showy of the lot—not to say it's ugly—simply boring. As I grow some of the most recently acquired liatris and watch them flower, I'm amazed at how variable the genus can be.

This cormous perennial can grow from 2 to 4 feet tall and the flowers can be 1/4 to 1" across. Butterflies rely on them for summer nectar and they are one of the first plants to consider when attracting butterflies. The smallest species, Liatris microcephala, grows 18 to 24" tall, a native of the Southern Appalachians. The many fine stalks give it a delicate look, remarkably different from Liatris squarrosa with flowers that can be more than 1" across. Liatris squarrosa is a seldom seen species, a local native with spiky foliage and husky stems. Plant Liatris squarrosa with the wonderful native perennial, Eupatorium hyssopfolium or Hyssop Leaf Joe Pye Weed, with its white flowers set in flat umbels, much like yarrow or achillea. The contrast in upright stalks of purple and flat-topped, white floral heads is beautiful. I find that Liatris squarrosa is my favorite of my newly acquired liatris, due to its extra big flowers and sturdy stamina. Last year I fell in love with Liatris aspera 'September Glory' and it is clearly still one of the showiest. The flower buds are covered with scaly outer petals that begin to open and look almost rose-like. One of the last to flower, it extends the liatris season.

Given the fact that our perennial show is so diminished in late July and early August, one must consider liatris as a superior perennial. With our usually dry summer months, a native plant that tolerates the droughts and brings in scads of butterflies is a must. If you are looking for more summer perennials for our area, consider joining the newly formed Piedmont-Blue Ridge Horticultural Society. Monthly meetings will begin in September at Blandy or the State Arboretum, located on Route 50. Membership is just $20, and speakers will offer presentations on various topics that pertain to gardening at a local level. More information is on their website at http://pbrhs.org/index.htm