Liatris punctata var. mucronata
in B. L. Turner et al., Atlas Vasc. Pl. Texas, 6. 2003.
Endemic
Basionym: Liatris mucronata de Candolle in A. P. de Candolle and A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 5: 129. 1836
Synonyms: Lacinaria leptostachya Bush Lacinaria ruthii Bush Liatris angustifolia (Bush) Gaiser
Corms globose to depressed-globose. Leaves 70–150 × 1–3 mm. Heads in dense, spiciform arrays (closely spaced, stems usually obscured by heads). Involucres 7–9(–12) mm. Phyllaries in (4–)5–6 series. Florets (3–)4–5(–6).
Phenology: Flowering mid Aug–Oct.
Habitat: Prairies, mesquite-grasslands, roadsides, fencerows, sands, clay, sandy loams, often rocky
Elevation: 50–300 m
Distribution
Ark., Kans., Mo., Okla., Tex.
Discussion
Varieties mucronata and punctata intergrade where their ranges meet in central Texas (G. L. Nesom and R. J. O’Kennon 2001). Plants currently identified as Liatris punctata or L. mucronata in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, and adjacent Kansas appear to represent an undescribed race, perhaps most closely related to L. aestivalis.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.