Alternate name: Short-leaf Gayfeather

Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Long spikes of tufted, lavender flower heads, which bloom from the top downward, may occupy up to 20" (50 cm) of the flower stalk.
Flowers: showy elongated clusters of 1/2" (12 mm), bell-shaped, rose-purple flowers with protruding styles.
Leaves: linear to thread-like.
Height: 3-6' (0.9-1.8 m).

Flower August-October.

Habitat Pinelands, dry open woods, turkey oak, sandhills, roadsides.

Range Coastal plain from South Carolina, south through northern two-thirds of Florida, west to Alabama.

Discussion A perennial fall-bloomer, Fineleaf Blazing Star is a good choice for a southeastern native plant garden. It prefers a sunny spot with sandy or gravelly soils.