Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata var. nebraskana)

Life history

Species overview

Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata var. nebraskana), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found in sandy and gravelly prairies, often on roadsides. Blooming occurs early July through late August; fruiting occurs early August through early September. The optimal identification period for this species is late July through late August.

Synonyms: Liatris punctata var. punctata

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: 4 to 6 flowers per head; corolla has smooth lobes; marginal hair on the leaves scarce.
• Flower characteristics: Several heads in an inflorescence resembling a spike in form, sessile or nearly so, usually 4 to 6 flowers per head; corolla lobes smooth and the tube hairy toward the base within.
• Fruit characteristics: Cypselae (achene surrounded by calyx sheath) on pappus
• Leaf characteristics: Scarce, marginal fringe of hair, most 2 to 3 mm wide, numerous and smooth except for the margins, linear or linear-oblanceolate; lowest leaves smaller than those just above and often deciduous.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: early July through late August
• Fruiting phenology: early August through early September
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is late July through late August

Other

• Growth form: Forb-erect
• Vegetative reproduction:
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Juniperus virginiana, Quercus velutina, Dalea villosa, Talinum rugospermum, Liatris aspera, Potentilla arguta, Solidago nemoralis, S. rigida, Poa compressa.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata var. nebraskana). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found in sandy and gravelly prairies, often on roadsides.
• Soils: Dry, sandy or gravelly soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Dotted Blazing Star. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Dotted Blazing Star. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.
• Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes in open sandy areas dominated by native grasses.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial (dependent on local site conditions).
• Maintain low canopy cover areas for savanna and barrens plant species.
• Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light; see forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Other resources

Links to additional Dotted Blazing Star information

• Grassland and Savanna Protocols

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Flora
• NatureServe Explorer
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use