// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Cattail gayfeather

Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya

Cattail gayfeather (Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Aug–Dec.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 22 U.S. states, including AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Bloom: Aug–Dec
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Cattail gayfeather (Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya) — *Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya* — Cattail gayfeather. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Joshua Mayer, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Cattail gayfeather (Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Aug–Dec.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, cattail gayfeather pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis).