Search / Plant Profile / Liatris ohlingerae

Plant Profile

Florida Gayfeather (Liatris ohlingerae)

The purple flower clusters of this species of Liatris are clustered at the top of the flower stalk, unlike most other members of the genus. (Notice that one flower has gone to seed.) Photo Credit: © Billy B. Boothe

Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: Federally Endangered
Family: Asteraceae
State: FL
Nature Serve ID: 134240
Lifeform: Forb/herb
Date Inducted in National Collection: 08/12/1987

Description:

Liatris ohlingerae (scrub blazing star) is an endemic perennial herb, found only in the sand pine scrub of Polk and Highlands Counties in Central Florida. Its narrow linear leaves help to conserve water in the dry, well-drained sands in which it occurs. In summer and fall, the vivid rose-purple blooms of scrub blazing star spike the usual muted grays and greens of the sand pine scrub. Unlike many other Liatris species, the flowers of Liatris ohlingerae are clustered at the tips of the flowering stalks, not along a tall spike. This species is also distinguished from the eight other Liatris species that occur in Florida by its broad flower heads and narrow leaves. (USFWS 1999) Scrub blazing star is adapted to fire and drought. The plant itself dies back in the winter, resprouting from a bulb in the spring. It can also resprout after fire. Scrub blazing star may be locally common where it occurs. However, it is very narrowly distributed within its range. Much of its habitat has been converted for agriculture or other development.

Where is Florida Gayfeather (Liatris ohlingerae) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Scrub blazing star has a preference for shade. Unlike most other scrub endemics, L. ohlingerae seems to thrive in lightly shaded areas. An endemic that is found in rosemary balds and the ecotone between these balds and surrounding scrub habitats, scrub blazing star grows in highest densities on the lower slopes, especially where low, thin-canopied scrub oaks or patches of palm dominate the vegetation. Rosemary balds are represented by small \"\"\"\"islands\"\"\"\" separated from each other, and they provide suitable habitat for a number of scrub endemics. The soils are well-drained, droughty, low-nutrient, and because of this there is sparse biomass. Rosemary balds don't support frequent fires, typically burning every 40 to 100 years. (USFWS 1999).

Distribution:

Liatris ohlingerae is endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge in Polk and Highlands counties in central Florida. (FNAI 2000)

States & Provinces:

Florida Gayfeather can be found in Florida

Which CPC Partners conserve Florida Gayfeather (Liatris ohlingerae)?

Bok Tower Gardens

Conservation Actions

Tina Stanley

05/11/2023

According to a March 2023 extract of the Florida Plant Rescue Database, Bok Tower Gardens holds 3 accessions of Liatris ohlingerae totalling approximately 1714 seeds.

09/18/2020

Herndon (1995, 1996, 1999) studied the life history of this species to address issues of low rates of seedling recruitment and adult mortality.

09/18/2020

(USFWS 1999) Dolan et al. (1999) assessed the genetic diversity of this species and found that, compared to two other endemic scrub species, it had high genetic variability, high levels of gene flow, and high levels of heterozygosity.

09/18/2020

09/18/2020

This species is in the Center for Plant Conservation's National Collection at Historic Bok Sanctuary, and seeds are in long-term storage at the National Seed Storage Laboratory in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

09/18/2020

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

A Florida endemic species, restricted to scrub on the Lake Wales Ridge. The Florida Natural Areas Inventory's database contains 103 occurrence records from Polk and Highlands counties, Florida, most having few individuals. This species suffers from loss of habitat due to widespread development and agriculture.

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

Loss of habitat from conversion of high pineland and scrub for agricultural purposes, and for commercial, residential, and recreational purposes. (USFWS 1999)

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

At present, there are 200 known populations, about half of which are protected in Polk and Highlands counties. (FNAI 2000)

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

Studies have been conducted at Archbold Biological Station on the reproductive biology (breeding and pollination) of L. ohlingerae. These studies have shown that scrub blazing star is self-incompatible. (USFWS 1999) Dolan et al. (1999) assessed the genetic diversity of this species and found that, compared to two other endemic scrub species, it had high genetic variability, high levels of gene flow, and high levels of heterozygosity. Herndon (1995, 1996, 1999) studied the life history of this species to address issues of low rates of seedling recruitment and adult mortality.

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

Continue surveys in Polk and Highlands counties. Protect and enhance existing populations. Genetic monitoring. Burn oak scrub every 15 - 20 years. Burn rosemary scrub every 40 - 60 years. Protect sites from off-road vehicles and trash dumping. (FNAI 2000; USFWS 1999)

S.K. Maddox and Tammera Race

01/01/2010

Seed germination studies and seeds in long-term storage. Conserve germplasm. Maintain ex situ collection. (USFWS 1999)