genus of perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae, containing approximately 40 species, native to North America. They have tall spikelike clusters of purple or pinkish purple flower heads that are surrounded by many scaly bracts (leaflike structures). Their long thin leaves alternate along the stem and frequently bear resinous dots. Some species of Liatris are cultivated as border plants or in wildflower gardens. Some are known variously as button snakeroot, gay feather, and blazing star.