Liatris tenuifolia (Pine Needle Gayfeather)

This perennial herb is native to the southeastern United States. It grows from a rounded underground corm and develops very narrow, needle-like leaves that become progressively smaller along the stem. Small flower heads are gathered into compact, upright arrays, with each head containing several tubular florets and projecting styles. The species flowers from late summer into autumn. Its natural habitats include pine savannas, sandy ridges, scrub oak woodland, and roadsides in low-elevation landscapes. Photographed in Florida.