Rough Blazing Star
(Liatris aspera)
Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)
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Joshua Mayer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joshua Mayer
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joshua Mayer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: wackybadger | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Liatris aspera, commonly known as Rough Blazing Star, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to tallgrass prairies and open woodlands in the Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 30 to 180 cm (1 to 6 feet) and is characterized by its erect raceme of numerous purple, button-like flower heads that are short-stalked or stalkless. The Rough Blazing Star blooms from mid-August through September, with seeds ripening from October to November. The inflorescence is quite showy, blooming from the top down, which is a distinctive feature among Liatris species. The stem is covered with short stiff hairs, giving it a rough texture, and the narrow leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, often sharing the stem’s roughness.
This plant is valued for its ability to attract birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in prairie restoration projects. Rough Blazing Star is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It thrives in full sun and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it can be purchased from specialty suppliers, it is also a candidate for propagation by seed. Gardeners should be aware that, although generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its ability to attract birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in prairie restoration projects. Rough Blazing Star is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It thrives in full sun and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it can be purchased from specialty suppliers, it is also a candidate for propagation by seed. Gardeners should be aware that, although generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to tallgrass prairies and open woodlands in the Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Tall Prarie Blazing-Star, Button Blazing Star, Rough Gayfeather, Lacerate Blazing Star, Tall Gayfeather, Liatris Rugueux
Scientific Names: , Liatris aspera, Liatris aspera var. intermedia, Liatris aspera var. aspera, Liatris aspera f. benkei, Liatris aspera var. typica, Lacinaria aspera, Lacinaria scariosa var. intermedia, Liatris aspera f. aspera, Liatris scariosa f. benkei
GBIF Accepted Name: Liatris aspera Michx.