| Liatris helleri | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
|
Imperiled (NatureServe) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Eupatorieae |
| Genus: | Liatris |
| Species: | L. helleri |
| Binomial name | |
| Liatris helleri Porter |
|
Liatris helleri is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names Heller's blazing star and Heller's gayfeather. It is endemic to North Carolina in the United States, where it occurs only in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is threatened by recreational activities in its habitat, and is federally listed as a threatened species.
Liatris helleri is a perennial herb growing up to about half a meter in maximum height from a spherical corm. The leaves are variable in shape, from linear to lance-shaped, and measure 5 to 22 centimeters in length, the largest ones at the base and much smaller ones higher on the stem. The inflorescence is a spike-like flower head. The flowers have purplish bell-shaped involucres containing lighter purple corollas. Blooming occurs in July through September.[1] The fruit is an achene with a pappus of varying lengths, but generally shorter than those of other Liatris.[2]
A 2005 study expanded the species description of Liatris helleri to include plants with certain similarities. Populations of plants growing in West Virginia and Virginia previously included in other Liatris species might now be included within the circumscription of L. helleri.[2][3] In that case it would be less rare and no longer a true North Carolina endemic.
This plant was added to the endangered species list with a threatened status in 1987.[4] It was only known to grow on cliffs on the summits of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. These areas were heavily used for recreational activities such as hiking and skiing or were in danger of being altered during the development of recreational facilities and utilities such as parking lots and bridges.[4] There were only seven populations,[4] with an eighth discovered by 2000.[5] The estimated global total population is only 3000 individuals, although more have been grown in greenhouses for planting in appropriate habitats.[6]