Liatris spicata
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Tried and True Recommended by 5 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: blazing star
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Eastern United States
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Description: Red-purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Drought
Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Rain Garden

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Somewhat tolerant of poor soils, but prefers moist, fertile ones and generally performs better in moist soils than most other species of Liatris. Intolerant of wet soils in winter. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. May be grown from seed, but is slow to establish.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Blazing star (also commonly called dense blazing star or marsh blazing star) is a tall, upright, clump-forming perennial which is native to moist low grounds, meadows and marsh margins. In Missouri, it has only been found in Oregon County on the Arkansas border (Steyermark). It typically grows 2-4' tall in cultivation, but can reach a height of 6' in some parts of its native habitat. Features terminal spikes (6-12" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks. One or more stalks arise from a basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12" long). Stem leaves gradually decrease in size toward the top. Blooms in summer. Liatris belongs to the aster family, with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers (resembling "blazing stars") and no ray flowers. The feathery flower heads of liatris give rise to another common name of gayfeather. See also L. spicata 'Kobold' which is a popular compact cultivar that is less likely to need staking than the species.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may require staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Mass in perennial borders, native plant gardens, cottage gardens and prairie areas.

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