The New England Blazing Star along a roadside
This colorful plant has several common names – New England Blazing Star and Gay Feather are two of them. The scientific name is Liatris scariosa var. novae-anglicae. Look for it at this time of year in open woods and clearings. Roadsides and the edges of parking lots in mall areas are two typical locations. The flowers are in plump heads that have long stalks. There are many tiny rose-purple flowers in each head, giving the plant a feathery appearance. Gay Feather grows one to three feet tall.
