This Liatris species can grow to be as tall as 6 feet and only 18" wide, but will readily spread by seed and underground corms. It requires full sun, neutral to acidic pH, moist to dry soils, and a wide range of soil compositions. It's purple flower spikes emerge mid summer attracting bees and butterflies. Many birds, including the Goldfinch, feed on the seeds during fall and winter. It is a host plant to a few moth species including the Liatris Borer Moth and the Liatris Flower Moth. Dead stems are used by our native stem nesting bees. 
 
Found in the mountains of NC. Range map.
 
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