Dotted Gayfeather
Liatris punctata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, CO, IA, IL and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dotted gayfeather is a native wildflower that produces tall spikes of purple blooms from summer into fall. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps with grass-like foliage and distinctive bottle-brush flower spikes that bloom from top to bottom.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dotted Gayfeather is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Foliage dies back completely in winter
Wildlife value
The long-blooming purple flowers are excellent for bees and butterflies, providing nectar throughout late summer when many other flowers have finished. Seeds also provide food for birds in fall and winter.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Dotted Gayfeather fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.