1169. <i>Liatris pycnostachya</i> Michx.

Summary Liatris pycnostachya Michx. (Compositae: Eupatorieae: Liatrinae) is described and illustrated. Notes are provided for the species' cultivation, assorted contrasting companion Compositae, propagation, likely pests and diseases, and availability. Liatris pycnostachya has the longest history of cultivation of any species in the genus. A full synonymy is given, along with type citations and known presence of type material, together with relevant notes. No infraspecific taxa are recognized in this account. Selected illustrations of the species are cited, and statements of the species' distribution, habitat and ecology, phenology, etymology, conservation status and vernacular names provided. The species has now been placed in Liatris Gaertn. ex Schreb. sect. Suprago (Gaertn.) DC., along with three others. Walter's generic name Anonymos was an ambiguous synonym used for 28 different genera in his Flora Caroliniana ; its use is invalid. Walter's Anonymos , as genus number 309, is discussed and the placement of all of the listed taxa, all invalid names, is provided against currently accepted names.