Liatris punctata, dotted blazing star
Walsh, Roberta A. 1993. Liatris punctata, dotted blazing star. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/liapun
| Abbreviation | Common Name | Scientific Name | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plants | ||||
| LIAPUN | dotted blazing star | Liatris punctata | Life Form: Plants/Forb Kingdom: Plantae Class: Dicot Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Liatris | Fed. Protected: No Nativity: Native Invasiveness: Noninvasive |
Taxonomy
The scientific name of dotted blazing star is Liatris punctata Hook [3,16,20]. It is in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Recognized varieties are as follows [43]:
- Liatris punctata var. punctata, dotted blazing star
- Liatris punctata var. mexicana Gaiser, Mexican blazing star
- Liatris punctata Hook. var. mucronata (DC.) B.L. Turner, cusp blazing star
Synonyms
Liatris punctata var. nebraskana Gaiser [16,33,43]
Other Common Names
blazing star, dotted button snakeroot, dotted gayfeather, gayfeather, liatris
General Distribution
Dotted blazing star occurs from Alberta south to New Mexico and Mexico, east to Manitoba and Michigan, and south to Arkansas [20,40]. Liatris punctata var. punctata occurs in the Midwest and Great Lakes; L. p. var. mucronata from Kansaa and Missouri to Texas and Louisiana; L. p. var. mexicana in Oklahoma and Texas [19,43]. Distribution of dotted blazing star. Map courtesy of USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC [2018, 29 May 2018] [43].
Distribution of dotted blazing star.
States and Provinces
- United States: AR, CO, IL, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY
- Canada: AB, MB, SK
- Mexico
Site Characteristics
Dotted blazing star inhabits dry, open, upland sites, especially in sandy soil [20]. It is found on dry prairie [3], dry plains, and hills [40]. Dotted blazing star is also found on calcareous soils on the Edwards Plateau and in the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas [25].
Dotted blazing star growth is poor on dense clay, poor to fair on clay, fair to good on gravel, sand, and clay loam, and good on sandy loam and loam. Growth is poor on acidic and saline soils. Optimum soil depth is 20 inches (50 cm) or more. Dotted blazing star makes good growth on gentle and moderate slopes and fair growth on steep slopes [12].
Dotted blazing star occurs at the following elevations:
| State | Elevation | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 3,500-8,000 ft (1,067-2,438 m) | [21] |
| Montana | 2,800-6,400 ft (853-1,951 m) | [12] |
| South Dakota | 3,600-5,000 ft (1,097-1,524 m) | [37] |
| Wyoming | 3,700-7,400 ft (1,128-2,255 m) | [12] |
Plant Communities
The following classification lists dotted blazing star as a differential species (i.e., limited to one habitat type out of several in the area) in mixed-grass blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) communities on excessively drained hilltops and slopes:
Classification of Native Vegetation at the Woodworth Station, North Dakota [32].
Associates of dotted blazing star vary with location, since this species has a wide ecological amplitude and it occurs in a variety of prairie ecosystems. Associates of dotted blazing star in tallgrass prairie of central Oklahoma are heath aster (Aster ericoides), Scribner's panic grass (Panicum scribnerianum), tick-trefoil (Desmodium sessilifolium), and oldfield goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) [1].
Associates of dotted blazing star in south-central South Dakota plains grasslands include threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), tumble grass (Schedonnardus paniculatus), fringed sagebrush (Artemisia frigida), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), pale echinacea (Echinacea pallida), scarlet gaura (Gaura coccinea), and rush skeletonplant (Lygodesmia juncea) [41].
Associates of dotted blazing star in the hardlands of northeastern and east-central Colorado include sixweeks fescue (Festuca octoflora), bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), slender wirelettuce (Stephanomeria tenuifolia), wooly loco (Astragalus mollissimus), and plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha) [29].
Associates of dotted blazing star on sandy soil in northeastern Colorado include sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), purple prairieclover (Petalostemon purpureum), Nuttall evolvulus (Evolvulus nuttallianus), Texas croton (Croton texensis), shrubby evening primrose (Calylophus serrulata), and scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea) [29].
Botanical Description
Dotted blazing star is a native, warm-season, perennial forb [40]. It has one to several stems 4 to 32 inches (0.1-0.8 m) tall [20]. The inflorescence is a dense spike up to 12 inches (30 cm) long [40]. The fruit is an achene. The pappus is persistent [3]. The stems arise from an erect or weakly spreading thick, short rootstock elongated into a thickened taproot [20]. The taproot is 4.25 to 16.4 feet (1.3-5 m) deep, with laterals at various levels [3]. Dotted blazing star develops rhizomes [31].
Dotted blazing star.
Dotted blazing star fruits.
Dotted blazing star develops slowly and is long lived. Ring counts in root crowns showed plant ages greater than 35 years [45].
Raunkiaer Life Form (Raunkiaer 1934)
- Hemicryptophyte
- Geophyte
Seasonal Development
Dotted blazing star seeds generally germinate in the spring, and to a lesser extent in the fall. The seedling grows only a few inches the first year and remains in the rosette stage [6,7]. During this time it develops a taproot up to 35 inches (89 cm) deep and accumulates some reserve food. In later years it develops extensive taproots [45]. After the first year dotted blazing star begins growth in spring and attains its mature height in late summer [18].
Dotted blazing star flowering times are:
| Location | Begin flowering | Peak flowering | End flowering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | August | August | September |
| Illinois | August | — | October |
| Kansas | August | September | October |
| Montana | July | August | September |
| North Dakota | July | August | September |
| Wyoming | July | August | September |
| Great Plains | July | — | October |
In central North Dakota dotted blazing star populations bloom an average of 38 days each year [9]. In western North Dakota dotted blazing star attains its mature height by mid-August [18].
Regeneration Processes
Dotted blazing star reproduces vegetatively by sprouting from rhizomes and sexually by wind-disseminated seeds [31] which have a very long plumose pappus [14]. The seeds have two periods of maximum germination: in the spring after fall maturation, and during the following fall [7]. Dotted blazing star germinates under a wide range of conditions, but optimal conditions for germination may vary geographically. Germination response from seed in three areas follows.
Dotted blazing star seed fill was about 40 percent in southeastern Montana in 1976 and 1977. Germination was optimal for new seed at 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30 deg C). For seed 10 months old germination was best at 68/41 degrees Fahrenheit (20/5 deg C) alternating temperatures. Stratification of less than 1 month duration was insufficient. Germination during stratification was quite high, and higher with new seed than old. Low temperature (39 degrees Fahrenheit [4 deg C]) storage had no effect on germination. Light appeared to promote germination at lower (50 degree Fahrenheit [10 deg C]) temperatures [14].
Dotted blazing star seed collected in south-central South Dakota was tested for germination. Of the seeds collected, 26.5 percent had mature embryos, and these were maintained in darkness at a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 deg C) for 30 days. Forty-seven percent of the seeds germinated within 8 to 22 days, requiring neither moist-cold nor scarification treatments [38].
Dotted blazing star seeds from western North Dakota were stored under three different conditions, with storage beginning December 1, 1977. There was no significant difference in germination rate due to storage conditions of dry cold, wet cold, or room temperature. Seeds were tested for germination rate each month from January through May, 1978. Dotted blazing star seeds had the highest germination rate in April, averaging about 71 percent over all storage conditions [5,6].
Successional Status
Dotted blazing star is a member of the mature prairie community [35] and does not tolerate deep litter or shading [31]. It often increases after disturbance [35].
Dotted blazing star was found to be a major forb species in scattered ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in mixed-prairie in northwestern Nebraska. It was reduced in importance where the trees were more closely spaced, and was not present where trees were dense [42]
Dotted blazing star occurs in western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)-blue grama communities in south-central South Dakota on silt loam soils disturbed by grazing and drought [41].
Dotted blazing star occurred on some badger-disturbed sites in tallgrass prairie of northwestern Iowa. Seedlings were present in the spring of the first growing season following disturbance. During the second growing season dotted blazing star began to reproduce vegetatively. On reaching maturity, 94.1 percent of dotted blazing star plants on disturbed sites flowered [35].
Immediate Fire Effects
Dotted blazing star is probably top-killed by fire.
Because of their persistent rhizomes, Liatris species are not usually killed by fast fire. Fire promotes seedling establishment by removing deep litter. Seedlings emerge earlier because of greater light and heat at the soil surface [31].
Postfire Regeneration Strategy (Stickney 1989)
- Rhizomatous herb, rhizome in soil
- Initial-offsite colonizer (off-site, initial community)
- Secondary colonizer - off-site seed
Fire Adaptations
Dotted blazing star has good fire tolerance due to reproduction by rhizomes [31]. It produces numerous, small, wind-dispersed seeds [3] which can establish on burned sites. Dotted blazing star thrives in the open, sunny conditions created by fire [31]. No information was available on seed tolerance to heat, or length of seed viability in the seedbank.
Plant Response to Fire
Dotted blazing star is listed as tolerant of fire in the tallgrass prairie of the Central Great Plains, where it often increases following fire [47].
Dotted blazing star was subjected to prescribed fire in northwestern Minnesota in the spring of 1972. Flowering was stimulated on a dry-mesic south-facing slope in undisturbed prairie. Flowering decreased on a wet-mesic level site in severely disturbed prairie. The primary factor responsible for increased flowering appeared to be removal of litter, which allowed for higher temperatures and increased light intensities near the soil surface. This resulted in increased vegetative growth in spring and increased flowering in summer. Litter removal by fire varied with site [34].
A lightning fire with 48-mile per hour (77-km/hr) winds burned in the Nebraska National Forest in the Sand Hills in May, 1965. By fall, 1965, dotted blazing star had increased in dry valley sites and choppy sand sites. Its presence on rolling sandy sites was unchanged [46].
Fire was prescribed at the Sun River Wildlife Management Area in west-central Montana on October 17, 1983, and April 15, 1984. Blazing star had greater biomass after spring fires than fall fires. It may not have been dormant during the fall fires, and therefore was susceptible to damage. There was no difference in dotted blazing star response between backfires and headfires within a season [26].
An area in the Badlands of western North Dakota burned on August 14, 1954. Dotted blazing star frequency in August, 1958, was the same on both burned and unburned areas [13]. Other sites burned in a severe wildfire on May 29, 1958. Dotted blazing star was present in August, 1958, at 25 percent frequency on unburned areas, but had decreased to 17 percent frequency on burned areas [2].
Fire Regimes
For fire regime information, search FEIS for this species by entering the species name or acronym on the home page and selecting “Fire Regime” as the publication type.
Fire Management Considerations
Postfire soil moisture is a major factor in determining the effect of fire on dotted blazing star. Drought is common in the mixed-grass prairie and can seriously set back recovery after a fire. In mesic areas, or in dry areas where fires are followed by a moist summer, fire can be beneficial [2].
Federal Status
None
Other Status
No entry.
Importance to Wildlife and Livestock
Domestic livestock, particularly sheep, graze dotted blazing star, especially when plants are young [40].
Rocky Mountain elk in Montana also graze dotted blazing star. Dotted blazing star was given the lowest rating for forage value in winter, and the highest rating for fall. It is not known to be eaten in spring and summer [28].
White-tailed deer fed on Liatris species on a reserve in southeastern Michigan. Liatris species comprised 0.5 to 2 percent of the diet of pronghorns in New Mexico [31].
Young dotted blazing star plants are eaten by rodents [31].
Dotted blazing star is an important nectar source for Lepidoptera. The population distribution of the endangered skipper butterfly (Hesperus leonardus montana) near Deckers, Colorado, corresponds almost exactly with dotted blazing star occurrence [30].
A Pawnee montane skipper on a dotted blazing star flower.
Palatability and Nutritional Value
Goetz [18] stated that dotted blazing star has little value as a forage species because of its coarse leaves.
Dotted blazing star palatability for livestock in several western states is as follows [12]:
| Species | Colorado | Montana | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair |
| Domestic sheep | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair |
| Horses | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair |
Rodents prefer buds, seedlings, new leaf growth, and starchy material from the centers of the tuberous roots. Seeds are eaten, but are not preferred [31].
Dotted blazing star energy value for livestock is fair; protein value is poor [12].
The food value of dotted blazing star is as follows [12]:
| Species | Montana | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Poor | — | — |
| Mule deer | — | Fair | Fair |
| White-tailed deer | — | — | Fair |
| Pronghorn | — | — | Fair |
| Upland game bird | — | — | — |
| Waterfowl | — | — | — |
| Small nongame birds | — | — | — |
| Small mammals | — | — | Fair |
Toxic alkaloids occur in dotted blazing star, but their low concentrations are unlikely to cause acute toxicity, particularly because most hay contains relatively little dotted blazing star [30].
Cover Value
The cover value of dotted blazing star is as follows [12]:
| Species | Montana | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | — | Poor |
| Mule deer | Poor | Poor |
| White-tailed deer | Poor | Poor |
| Pronghorn | Poor | — |
| Upland game bird | Poor | — |
| Waterfowl | Poor | — |
| Small nongame birds | Poor | — |
| Small nongame birds | Poor | — |
Value for Rehabilitation or Restoration of Disturbed Sites
Dotted blazing star seeds were collected in the Badlands of western North Dakota, and in 1977 and 1978 were grown on raw coal spoil material to evaluate their use in mine spoil reclamation. Dotted blazing star had exceptionally good seedling emergence and subsequent vigorous growth from direct seeding. Greenhouse plants transplanted well. They produced more vigorous first-year plants, which had a greater chance of survival than those from direct seeding [5,6].
Dotted blazing star is being developed and released for prairie rehabilitation [23]. Shatter takes place shortly after seeds ripen and proceeds fairly rapidly. Seeds should be therefore be collected soon after ripening. They are planted in the fall immediately after harvest or the following spring when soils are warm (68 degrees Fahrenheit [20 deg C]) [14]. Plants show good vigor [23].
On a severely eroded, steep, sandy, south-facing slope in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, prairie hay mulch held down by jute mesh was very successful in promoting germination and establishment of prairie plants including dotted blazing star [11].
Other Uses
Dotted blazing star is a common floral decoration [24].
Dotted blazing star contains sesquiterpene lactones and alkaloids which have been extracted for use in biological tests [30]. Some components have cytotoxic effects [22].
The carrot-flavored root of dotted blazing star was used by American Indians for food [24]. The plants of this genus were consumed in New England as a treatment for gonorrhea [40].
Other Management Considerations
Rangeland: Dotted blazing star is drought resistant and well adapted to a variety of upland prairies [24]. Its tolerance of drought is due to its deep roots. It can develop normally and produce seed when there is no moisture in the upper layers of soil [10]. During periods of extended drought, dotted blazing star decreases in abundance and height [31]. During the drought of 1931-1937 dotted blazing star completely disappeared from many sites in eastern Colorado [29].
Dotted blazing star is preferred by grazing animals. It classified as a decreaser, soon disappearing under continuous overgrazing [24,46].
Herbicides: Dotted blazing star was seeded with other native forbs and grasses at two lowland sites in eastern Nebraska in May, 1975. Herbicides in varying amounts were applied at the time of seeding to provide an assessment of their use in establishing a diverse stand of prairie grasses and forbs. Dotted blazing star did not appear in any treatment plots in which herbicides were used [8].
Other: In Colorado, dotted blazing star is a major host for the parasitic plant wholeleaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) [30].
Table A1— Forest and range ecosystems, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) physiographic regions, Kuchler plant associations, Society for American Foresters (SAF) forest cover types, and Society for Rangeland Management (SRM) rangeland cover types in which this species occurs.
Forest and Range Ecosystems (Garrison et al. 1977)
- FRES21 Ponderosa pine
- FRES29 Sagebrush
- FRES34 Chaparral - mountain shrub
- FRES35 Pinyon – juniper
- FRES36 Mountain grasslands
- FRES38 Plains grasslands
BLM Physiographic Regions (Bernard and Brown 1977)
- 8 Northern Rocky Mountains
- 10 Wyoming Basin
- 11 Southern Rocky Mountains
- 13 Rocky Mountain Piedmont
- 14 Great Plains
- 15 Black Hills Uplift
- 16 Upper Missouri Basin and Broken Lands
Kuchler Plant Associations (Kuchler 1964)
- K016 Eastern ponderosa forest
- K018 Pine - Douglas-fir forest
- K023 Juniper - pinyon woodland
- K024 Juniper steppe woodland
- K037 Mountain-mahogany - oak scrub
- K038 Great Basin sagebrush
- K055 Sagebrush steppe
- K056 Wheatgrass - needlegrass shrubsteppe
- K063 Foothills prairie
- K064 Grama - needlegrass – wheatgrass
- K065 Grama – buffalograss
- K066 Wheatgrass – needlegrass
- K067 Wheatgrass - bluestem – needlegrass
- K068 Wheatgrass - grama – buffalograss
- K069 Bluestem - grama prairie
- K070 Sandsage - bluestem prairie
- K074 Bluestem prairie
- K075 Nebraska Sandhills prairie
- K081 Oak savanna
- K098 Northern floodplain forest
SAF Cover Types (Eyre 1980)
- 220 Rocky Mountain juniper
- 237 Interior ponderosa pine
- 239 Pinyon - juniper
SRM Rangeland Cover Types (Shiflet 1994)
- No entry
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