Daisy or sunflower family.

Flowers from August to October.

The flower heads are purple to pink-purple and thistle-like, each composed of many tubular disk flowers. Flowering begins at the top of the stem and progresses downward.
It is interesting to note that the flower heads of the Liatris pauciflora are arranged on one side, unlike the flower heads of the other Blazing Stars at the trail.