Plants 45-120(-180) cm. Corms globose. Stems finely puberulent. Leaves: basal and proximal cauline 1-nerved, spatulate (petioles slender, blades elliptic to lanceolate-elliptic), (100-)150-250 × (8-)11-22(-27) mm, gradually reduced distally, essentially glabrous, gland-dotted. Heads in loose, racemiform arrays. Peduncles (spreading-ascending) (2-)5-12(-26) mm (with bracts 2+ mm wide, grading from distal leaves). Involucres cylindro-turbinate, 4-5 × 2.5-3 mm. Phyllaries in 3(-4) series, ovate to oblong, strongly to weakly unequal, essentially glabrous, margins with hyaline borders, ciliolate, apices (at least outer) acuminate to acute. Florets 3-5(-6); corolla tubes pilose inside. Cypselae 3.5-5 mm; pappi: lengths ± equaling corollas, bristles barbellate. 2n = 20.

Flowering (Jul-)Aug-Oct(-Nov). Slopes of shaded sites in deciduous woods, ecotones of mesic woods and scrub oak, sandy ridges between ravines, open sites on bluffs, loamy or gravelly sands; of conservation concern; 20-50 m; Fla.

Liatris gholsonii is closely similar to L. gracilis; it apparently is restricted to an area along the Apalachicola River in Liberty and Leon counties.