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Liatris

Liatris

9.8
A tall plant from North America that has long spikes of purple or white flowers
  • noun
  • /ˈlaɪətrɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Liatris
  • liatris corms
  • liatris roots

Examples

  • But the butterfly weed, echinacea, and liatris.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • In the garden, a cluster of liatris blooms attracts many bees and butterflies with its vibrant purple flowers.

  • The liatris plant, often referred to as blazing star, adds vertical interest to floral arrangements with its unique spikes.

  • Every summer, the liatris showcases its beautiful white flowers, making it a favorite among wildflower enthusiasts.

Synonyms

gay-feather
vsLiatris
  • US
9.9

A plant with tall spikes of small purple flowers that attract butterflies

has identical meaning but is written without a hyphen
gayfeather
vsLiatris
  • US
9.9

A tall plant with spikes of small purple or white flowers

means the same but is often written with a hyphen

Compounds

Liatris punctata
  • Specialized
9.9

A perennial wildflower with narrow stems topped by dense spikes of purple flowers native to central North America

Liatris pycnostachya
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that lives for many years with dense purple spikes that florists use in bouquets

Surface Forms

Liatris singular
Liatris plural

Etymology

Liatris can be remembered by its link to the Greek root iatros, which means 'doctor' or 'healer'. Because the plant's roots were used in traditional remedies, the name fits its old role as a healing plant.