Grass-leaf Gayfeather
Liatris pilosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Grass-leaf Gayfeather (Liatris pilosa) is a perennial forb native to DE, MD, NC, NJ and 3 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Grass-leaf Gayfeather (Liatris pilosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Grass-leaf Gayfeather as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
DE, MD, NC, NJ and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Grass-leaf gayfeather is a native perennial with thin, grass-like foliage and tall spikes of purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom in summer. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and requires minimal care once established. The flowers attract numerous pollinators and the plant goes dormant in winter.
Growing Grass-leaf Gayfeather
Grow Grass-leaf Gayfeather in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Grass-leaf Gayfeather is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
Wildlife value
Excellent pollinator plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and moths during its long summer bloom period. The seeds also provide food for birds in fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Grass-leaf Gayfeather need?
- Grass-leaf Gayfeather grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Grass-leaf Gayfeather bloom?
- Grass-leaf Gayfeather blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Grass-leaf Gayfeather native?
- Grass-leaf Gayfeather (Liatris pilosa) is native to DE, MD, NC, NJ and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Grass-leaf Gayfeather toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Grass-leaf Gayfeather as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Grass-leaf Gayfeather attract?
- Grass-leaf Gayfeather draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Grass-leaf Gayfeather HOA-friendly?
- Grass-leaf Gayfeather is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Grass-leaf Gayfeather? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz