 Each flower head has 5 to 8 florets and is surrounded by overlapping pinkish bracts (phyllaries) whose tips are pointed and curve backwards.The stems, leaves, and bracts may be smooth or hairy to varying degrees.The shape of the bracts distinguishes this species from others, for example "Liatris spicata", another tall "Liatris" species that has thickly packed spikes, but whose bracts are flat with rounded tips.