Pinkscale Blazing Star
(Liatris elegans)
Pinkscale Blazing Star (Liatris elegans)
/
/
Mike Owsley USDA-NRCS, Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, Georgia.
Public domain
Image By:
Mike Owsley USDA-NRCS, Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, Georgia.
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mike Owsley USDA-NRCS, Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center, Americus, Georgia. | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Tortie tude | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Liatris_elegans.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=''Ligularia dentata'' |Source=[http://picasaweb.google.com/pelserpb/SenecioneaePhotoGallery National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0542238] |Date=Aug 5, 2005 |Author=NSF Phot
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Liatris elegans, commonly known as Pinkscale Blazing Star, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands and prairies in the Southeastern USA. It typically grows from rounded or turnip-shaped corms, producing stems that range from 30 to 120 centimeters tall. The stems are usually covered with soft hairs, although some plants may have coarse stiff hairs. The Pinkscale Blazing Star is notable for its dense, spike-like terminal inflorescences that bloom in late summer to fall, with flower heads containing 4 or 5 florets that can be pink, purplish, white, or yellow. The flowers are showy and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Seeds are produced in small, dry fruits called cypselae, which are 3.5 to 5 millimeters long and topped with feathery bristles that aid in wind dispersal.
This plant is valued for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower due to its striking inflorescences. Full sun is essential for optimal growth and flowering. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. There are no major disease or pest issues, but overwatering should be avoided.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, and as a cut flower due to its striking inflorescences. Full sun is essential for optimal growth and flowering. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. There are no major disease or pest issues, but overwatering should be avoided.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 0.667-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and prairies
Other Names
Common Names: Pinkscale Gayfeather , Elegant Gayfeather , Elegant Blazingstar , Sand-Prachtscharte , Prickbladig Rosenstav
Scientific Names: Liatris elegans , Lacinaria flabellata , Liatris elegans f. fisheri , Liatris flabellata , Staehelina elegans , Calostelma elegans , Eupatorium elegans , Eupatorium speciosum , Lacinaria elegans , Liatris elegans f. elegans
GBIF Accepted Name: Liatris elegans (Walter) Michx.