Liatris spp.; blazing star [Asteraceae]  Several species of erect, native, perennial herbs with multiple unbranched stems arising from a corm.  Showy pink to magenta heads in terminal spike-like clusters, which may clothe most of plant.  Heads composed of tubular flowers that appear ray-like because of conspicuous appendages protruding from the style branches.  Stem leaves usually narrow; plants rarely branched above the base.  Found in sandy open ground and prairies.  Flowers mid-summer to early fall.  [144]