Prairie Blazing Star

(Liatris pycnostachya)

Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Liatris pycnostachya, commonly known as Prairie Blazing Star or Cattail Blazing Star, is a perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies, open woods, and meadows of the central United States. It typically grows to a height of 60 to 120 cm (2 to 4 ft), occasionally reaching up to 180 cm (6 ft). The plant features erect, unbranched stems topped with dense, spike-like clusters of flower heads that are 6 to 13 mm (1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in) across, blooming with vibrant pink to purplish pink flowers from the top down over a month in late summer. Each flower head contains 5 to 8 florets and is encased by pinkish bracts with pointed, recurved tips. The root system consists of a corm which can develop into a rhizome, enabling the plant to produce offsets and form clumps over time.

Prairie Blazing Star is valued for its showy flower spikes that add vertical interest to garden beds and borders. It is a popular choice for native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life. This plant is particularly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, from well-drained to those with slower drainage. Gardeners should be aware that while Liatris pycnostachya is not prone to serious pest or disease problems, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Additionally, it serves as an important nectar source for pollinators and is a larval host for the Bleeding Flower Moth (Schinia sanguinea).CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to tallgrass prairies, open woods, and meadows of the central United States

Other Names

Common Names: Kansas Gayfeather , Cattail Gayfeather , Prairie Blazing-Star , Prairie Gayfeather , Thick-Spike Blazing-Star , Kansas Gay Feather , Liatris À Épi Dense , Cattail Blazing Star

Scientific Names: Liatris pycnostachya , Liatris bebbiana , Lacinaria pycnostachya , Liatris langloisii , Anonymos pilosus , Chrysocoma pilosa , Lacinaria langloisii , Lacinaria macilenta , Liatris brachystachya , Liatris hirsutissima

GBIF Accepted Name: Liatris pycnostachya Michx.