Dense gayfeather, also known as marsh blazing star, is a tall, upright perennial reaching 2–6 ft in height. Its narrow, grass-like leaves form a clump at the base and continue up the stem, leading to a striking spike of closely packed, rose-purple flower heads. Blooming from the top down, the tufted flowers’ protruding styles create a soft, feathery effect that gives this plant its distinctive appearance and common name.
Use in mass in a perennial border, in native plant or cottage gardens. Taller plants may require staking. Easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil, in full sun. It is intolerant of a wet winter site.
