The rose-purple blooms of cattail or prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya) act like 5-foot-tall signposts for hungry hummers. And the plant puts out these sugary wares up to the first frost.

This week I would like to feature another Kansas and Missouri native. This plant is the prairie native Liatris. Or, by its common name Tall Gayfeather, Kansas Gayfeather, Blazing Star or Button ...