Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star, prairie feather, gayfeather[1] or button snakewort,[2] is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.

The species grows in hardiness zones 3 - 8,[4] stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast, eastern and western Canada.

[6][9] Under cultivation it is found under many names including button snakewort, Kansas gay feather, blazing star, Liatris callilepis.

[11] The plants can tolerant some shade as well as drought but need regular watering during the first growing season to build strong roots.

[15] Caterpillars of the liatris borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis) bore through the plant's stems.

[15][17] Liatris spicata was historically used medicinally by Native Americans for its carminative, diuretic, stimulant, sudorific, and expectorant properties.

[18][19][20] In addition to these uses, the Cherokee used the plant as an analgesic for pain in the back and limbs and the Menominee used it for a weak heart.

[6][8] Currently, the plant is used for a sore throat by gargling an infusion, as an herbal insect repellent, and in potpourri.