Liatris microcephala Thelypteris it closely resembles a clematis

it closely resembles a clematis in habit with fragrant lavender-pink flowers from late September into November (NC)

In good soils

In the 1900s

basal green leaves in October

The small rounded half-dollar-sized leaves are dark green but heavily mottled with dramatic silver venation

Liatris microcephala Thelypteris it closely resembles a clematisThis drought tolerant native blazing star from rocky outcrops in the southern Appalachian mountains is one of the best in the genus, but surprisingly is still not common in the trade. The rosette produces up to 2 dozen stalks, clothed in very fine grassy foliage. The flowers that top the stalk are the typical rosy purple, and are produced in the heat of summer great for summer arrangements and hummingbird viewing.