Pinkscale Blazing Star
Scientific Name: Liatris elegans (Walter) Michx.
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| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | LIEL |
| Group | Dicot |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habits | Forb/herb |
| Native Locations | LIEL |
Plant Guide
Description
General: Pinkscale blazing star, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a native, warm season perennial forb growing 2 to 3 feet tall (30-100 cm). The plant’s central pubescent stem arises from a fleshy underground corm. Alternating basal leaves are up to 5 inches (12 cm) long and 0.27 inch wide (7 mm). The cylindrical inflorescence is 4 to 16 inches (10 cm to 40 cm) long and composed of many small tubular flowers varying from white to purple (Fig. 1). A distinguishing characteristic is upper leaves point downward at ~ 450 angle and decrease in length to half an inch near the top of the stem (Fig. 2). Pinkscale blazing star blooms from August to November. The seeds or achenes are 0.15 to 0.23 inch long (4 to 6 mm) and topped by tufts of hair or pappus 0.35 to 0.43 inch long (9 to 11 mm) allowing them to be wind distributed (Grelen and Duvall, 1966; Allain and Reid, 2018). Distribution: The Liatris genus contains approximately 43 species found east of the Rocky Mountains and northern Mexico (Diggs et al., 1999). Liatris elegans extends from Texas and Oklahoma east to South Carolina and Florida (Grelen and Hughes, 1984). Three botanical varieties are also found in the southeastern United States. Liatris elegans var. kralli occurs in Mississippi east to Florida (Flora of North America, 2018). Liatris elegans var. bridgesii is found in post oak savanna of central and East Texas. Liatris elegans var. carrizana is adapted to drier climates and grows on deep sandy soils south of the Colorado River in Texas (Mayfield, 2001). For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site. Habitat: Pinkscale blazing star is found in pine hardwood forests, dry oak woods, along roadsides, sandhills, and dunes of the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem in the southeastern US (Aschenbach et al., 2009; Keener et al., 2018; Flora of North America, 2018). Associated plants include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), pineywoods dropseed (Sporobolus junceus), splitbeard bluestem Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide Figure 1. Liatris elegans in bloom. Photo: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey. Figure 2. The slender leaves of Liatris elegans point downward and is a distinguishing characteristic of this plant. Photo: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey. 2 (Andropogon ternarius), tephrosias (Tephrosia sp.), slender lespedeza (Lespedeza virginica), fragrant goldenrod (Solidago odora), and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) (Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2018).
Adaptation
Pinkscale blazing star prefers well drained, coarse textured sandy soils but will grow on clay loams or sandy clays (Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2018; USDA NRCS, 2017). It occupies xeric sandhill sites located on deep, layered sands in longleaf pine forests of northern Florida and on sandylands in post oak savanna of east Texas (Platt et al., 1988; MacRoberts et al., 2002).
Uses
Pinkscale blazing star is not a valuable livestock forage: cattle occasionally graze pinkscale blazing star in the spring but leave it as plants mature (Grelen and Hughes, 1984). This forb is valuable to wildlife and pollinators. Deer eat the foliage in spring and summer (Grelen and Duvall, 1966). Pinkscale blazing star attracts native bees (Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2018). The Glorius Flower Moth (Schinia gloriosa) and Bleeding Flower Moth (Schinia sanguinea) feed only on Liatris plants (Xerxes Society, 2018). Pinkscale blazing star is a valued nectar source for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) during their fall migration through the Quachita mountains in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006).
Ethnobotany
Native American tribes used boiled gayfeather root poultices to reduce swelling and root infusions to treat stomachaches and itch (Moerman, 2015).
Status
Threatened or Endangered: Pinkscale blazing star is not threatened or endangered (US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2018). Wetland Indicator: Pinkscale blazing star is an upland species and not a wetland indicator plant (US Army Corps of Engineers, 2018). Weedy or Invasive: Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use. Please consult the PLANTS Web site (http://plants.usda.gov/) and your state’s Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Planting Guidelines
Begin conservation planting site preparations the year before seeding. Prepare the planting area using tillage and/or herbicide applications to control and eliminate weedy vegetation. Mowing and multiple herbicide applications may be required for effective control of heavy weedy vegetation and perennial species. Plant Liatris from December to May (USDA NRCS, 2018). Monotypic broadcast seeding rate is 4.6 PLS lb/acre which is based on 20 PLS seed/ft2 and 189,000 debearded seed/lb (USDA NRCS Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, 2010; Pfaff et al., 2002). When drilling or broadcasting a seed mix, adjust the monotypic seeding rate of pinkscale blazing star according to the percent in the mixture. Plant pinkscale blazing star at ¼ to ½ inch depth for drilling or broadcast seeding (Pfaff et al., 2002). A seed drill is the preferred implement for planting because drilling provides good seed placement and seed-to-soil contact. When ordering seed from a commercial source, specify if seed needs to be debearded (hair tufts removed) before delivery (Fig. 3). Debearded seed should flow easily through a planter and not require additional agitation. However, bearded seed (hair tufts intact) is best planted using a seed drill equipped with a fluffy seed box and picker wheels to reduce seed bridging. Plant into a firm seedbed and avoid seeding into a fluffy or loose seedbed because soil can fall back into press wheel tracks and bury the seed too deep after the first rain event. Figure 3. Photo of bearded and debearded Liatris seeds. Bearded seeds have intact hair tufts while debearding seed removes hair tufts.
Management
Liatris is tolerant of prescribed burning (Lovell et al,,1982), Selective herbicides can be used when managing pinkscale blazing star, Please consult your local agricultural extension specialist and always read and follow label and safety instructions for each management method, Mow old seed stalks in late winter when plants are dormant (Pfaff et al,, 2002), , Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Pinkscale Blazing Star.
Pests and Potential Problems
Liatris is subject to several diseases including leaf spots (Phyllosticta liatridis and Septoria liatridis), rusts (Coleosporium laciniariae and Puccinia liatridis), powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), and Verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum) (Mahr, 2010).
Environmental Concerns
Concerns
Concerns
Pinkscale blazing star is a desirable plant within its native range and has no known negative effects on the environment.
Control
Pinkscale blazing star is controlled by mechanical means such as mowing or applying a broad-spectrum herbicide. Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method. Control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information.
Seeds and Plant Production
Plant Production
Plant Production
Commercial seed production fields can be established by transplants, corm division or direct seeding. Prepare a firm, weed free seedbed using herbicides and/or tillage for transplanting or seeding. Transplanting seedlings in spring is the preferred method of establishing seed production fields. Transplanting reduces time needed to achieve a solid stand, allows for use of pre-emergent herbicides and reduces the amount of weed competition typically seen in fields planted from seed. Start Liatris seedlings by treating seeds using cool moist stratification at 40° F for 8-12 weeks. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep into transplanting containers about two months before the last frost freeze date and grow in the greenhouse (Houseal, 2007). Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they develop a pea sized corm, vigorous root system and firm root ball. Place seedlings in a shade house for approximately two to three weeks to harden off before transplanting. Transplant seedlings at eight-inch intervals in rows after frost danger is past (Houseal, 2007). Establish small scale seed production fields by digging and dividing corms of older plants in fall or early spring (Fig. 4). Include at least one growing point per corm division. Treat fall collected corms with fungicide, dry, and store in slightly moist sphagnum peat moss at 28° to 30° F for 10 weeks of cold storage. Do not allow corms to thaw and refreeze or dry out during storage. Corms can keep up to two weeks at 40° to 45° F before replanting in spring (Houseal, 2007). Spring collected corms can be replanted immediately after division. Place corms 1 inch deep within the row. For direct seeding, place seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep using a seeding rate of 30 PLS/linear foot. Pinkscale blazing star averages 103,000 seed/lb (bearded) and 189,000 seed/lb (debearded) (Pfaff et al., 2002). Space rows 24 to 48 inches apart allowing for weed control and seed harvesting equipment. Pinkscale blazing star emerges under dry conditions better than most other native species. Supply some moisture to seedlings to encourage plant development. Limit irrigation after establishment as pinkscale blazing star prefers dry soils and will not persist in moist conditions (Pfaff et al., 2002). Liatris species are known to hybridize among each other so maintain isolation distances to minimize crossing (Hadley and Levin, 1967; Houseal 2007). For example, Wisconsin isolation distance is a quarter mile for native forbs (Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association, 2016). Do not fertilize seed production fields the first year as lower fertility levels reduce warm season weed competition. Liatris have moderate fertilizer requirements. One recommendation is 1.2 lb of 10-10-10/100 ft2 which equates to 52 lb/acre of N, P, and K (Evans, 1993). Manage seed production fields by cultivating between rows, Figure 4. Liatris plant showing stems, corms, and fibrous roots. 4 hoeing, or hand roguing. Mow Liatris elegans to a height of 10 to 16 inches during the growing season to promote multiple stems (Pfaff et al, 2002). Liatris plants are sensitive to soil disturbance during bolting and flowering (Houseal, 2007). Harvest seed in fall at hard dough stage when it is easily hand stripped from the stalk. Seeds mature indeterminately and ripen on the inflorescence from the top down. Because seed mature unevenly, a seed stripper or flail vac harvester is recommended for multiple harvests. Use slower brush speeds of 400-600 rpm to minimize plant damage (Pfaff et. al., 2002). Scalp harvested material to remove stems and inert material, dry, then debeard or brush the seed to remove tufts of hair before cleaning (Figure 3). Use a seed cleaner with air adjustments and separation screens to remove chaff and unfilled seed. Seed yields range from 20 to 300 lb. pure seed per acre (Pfaff et al., 2002). Store harvested Liatris seed in a controlled environment of 500 F and 30% relative humidity to improve seed longevity (Houseal, 2007). Expected stand life is 3 to 6 years (Pfaff et al., 2002). For production and propagation of pinkscale blazing star plants follow the same procedures as outlined above in growing transplant seedlings in a greenhouse and dividing older corms. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Pinkscale blazing star seed and potted plants are available from commercial sources. Select seed and plant materials based on local climate, resistance to local pests, and intended use. Consult with your local land grant university, local extension or local USDA NRCS office for recommendations on adapted cultivars for use in your area.
Literature Cited
Allain, L. and C. Reid. 2018. Plants of Louisiana. USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries. Accessed online 5/24/2018 at https://warcapps.usgs.gov/Plant ID/Species/Details/1170 Aschenbach, T., B. Foster, and D. Imm. 2009. Research Article – The initial phase of a longleaf pine-wiregrass savanna restoration: species establishment and community responses. Restoration Ecology. pgs.1-10. Diggs, C., B. Lipscomb, and R. O’Kennon. 1999. Shinners and Mahlers illustrated flora of north central Texas. Center for Environmental Studies and Dept. of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, Texas and Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Ft. Worth, TX. Evans, M. 1993. Producing blazing star (Liatris) for cut flowers. Circular ENH-111. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. University of Florida. Gainesville, FL. Flora of North America. 2018. Liatris elegans (Walter) Michaux var. elegans. Flora of North America v. 21 p. 521. Accessed online at http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250068561 Grelen, H. and V. Duvall. 1966. Common plants of the longleaf pine bluestem range. USFS Res. Paper SO-23. Southern Forest Experiment Station. New Orleans, LA. Grelen, H. and R. Hughes. 1984. Plants of southern forest range. USFS Res. Paper SO-210. Southern Forest Experiment Station. New Orleans, LA. Hadley, E. and D. Levin. 1967. Habitat differences of three Liatris species and their hybrid derivatives in an interbreeding population. Amer. J. Bot. 54(5):550-559. Houseal, G. 2007. Tallgrass prairie center’s native seed production manual. Tallgrass Prairie Center. Univ. of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Keener, B.R., A.R. Diamond, L.J. Davenport, P.G. Davidson, S.L. Ginzbarg, C.J. Hansen, C.S. Major, D.D. Spaulding, J.K. Triplett, and M. Woods. 2018. Alabama Plant Atlas. [S.M. Landry and K.N. Campbell (original application development), Florida Center for Community Design and Research. University of South Florida]. University of West Alabama, Livingston, Alabama. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2018. Liatris elegans. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, TX. Accessed online 5/27/18: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=liel Lovell, D., R. Henderson, E. Howell. 1982. The response of forb species to seasonal timing of prescribed burns in remnant Wisconsin prairies. Proceedings of the Eighth North American Prairie Conference: Western Michigan Univ., Kalamazoo, MI. Aug. 1-4, 1982, p. 11-15. MacRoberts, B., M. MacRoberts, and J. Cathey. 2002. Floristics of xeric sandylands in the post oak savanna region of east Texas. Sida 20:373-386.