User:R33nayl3aves/Liatris helleri

Liatris helleri is a species of flowering plants in the aster family known by the common names Heller's blazing star and Heller's gayfeather. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States and is endemic to North Carolina. It is threatened by recreational activities in its habitat, and is federally listed as a threatened species.

Description
Liatris helleri is a perennial herb which grows up to about half a meter (20 inches) in height from a spherical corm. The leaves are variable in shape, from linear to lance-shaped, and about 5 to 22 centimeters (2-8.8 inches) in length, with the largest ones located at the base and much smaller ones higher on the stem. The inflorescence is a spike-like array between 7.6 to 20.3 centimeters (3-8 inches) in length with numerous flower heads. The flower heads have purplish bell-shaped involucres containing 7-17 lighter purple disc flowers but no ray flowers. Blooming occurs from July to September and its fruits can be found from September to October. The fruit is an achene with a pappus of varying lengths, but generally shorter than those of other Liatris.

Taxonomy
Liatris helleri was first described as a rare species endemic to North Carolina in 1891 by T.C. Porter.

A 2005 study expanded the species description of Liatris helleri to include plants with certain similarities. Populations of plants growing in West Virginia and Virginia previously included in another species (Liatris turgida) might now be included within the circumscription of L. helleri. In that case it would be less rare and no longer a true North Carolina endemic. This change in taxonomy was adopted by some botanists but later maintained the species were separate in 2020 citing that more research should be done. As of August of 2020, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service does not fully adopt this proposed change due to lack of genetic evidence. Some research has been done to help genetically identify Liatris helleri.

Distribution & Habitat
Liatris helleri is found natively in the grassy balds of the Blue Ridge Mountains along five North Carolinian counties. The plant is shade intolerant and grow best in direct sunlight. The species thrives in shallow soils with an acidic soil pH and are a mix of either clay loams or humus.

Liatris helleri was added to the American endangered species list with a threatened status in 1987. It was only known to grow on cliffs on the summits of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. These areas were heavily used for recreational activities such as hiking and skiing, or were in danger of being altered during the development of utilities such as parking lots and bridges. Due to their rarity, Liatris helleri has been the target of poaching. Currently there are regulations against taking plants from privately owned properties and there are prohibitive laws requiring permits for moving threatened plant species.

In 1987, there were only seven known populations of the plant; an eighth was discovered by 2000. As of 2020 there are eleven known extant populations but only nine are officially protected. The estimated global population of Liatris helleri is only 3,000 individuals, although more have been grown in greenhouses for planting in appropriate habitats.