Liatris pycnostachya ( Kansas Gayfeather )
Fine grass - like leaves rise from a basal tussock which becomes longer in summer , giving rise to an 18 in stiletto heel of fragrant , fringed , bright purple flowers , which start in midsummer and continues until pin . Flowers overt from the top of the stalk down . A native to easterly and central United States , these plant do well in poor ground , and hold up heating , cold and even drouth ....