Snakeroot, Dotted blazing star, Mexican blazing star, Nebraska blazing star
Liatris punctata

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Liatris punctata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry prairies and plains.

Eastern N. America - Alberta to New Mexico and Texas, east to Minnesota and Nebraska..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour when harvested in the spring and baked. Eating the root is said to improve the appetite.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of stomach aches, bloody urine and women's bladder complaints. The root has been chewed and the juice swallowed in the treatment of swollen testes. A decoction of the roots is used as a wash for itching skin complaints. A poultice of the boiled roots is applied to swellings.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Grows well in a moderately good light soil.Tolerates poor soils. Plants are prone to rot overwinter in wet soils. A good bee plant. Rodents are very fond of the tubers so the plants may require some protection.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in the year in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings taken in spring as growth commences. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Laciniaria punctata. (Hook.)Kuntze.