Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Dense Blazing Star

(Liatris spicata)

bluefootedbooby

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: bluefootedbooby

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: bluefootedbooby | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: bluefootedbooby | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Liatris spicata, commonly known as Dense Blazing Star, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, marsh margins, and open woodlands in the Eastern and Midwest U.S. It typically grows 1–5 ft (0.30–1.52 m) tall with tall spikes of purple flowers that resemble bottle brushes or feathers. The showy flowers bloom from July to September and can vary in color with cultivars presenting pink or white blooms. The plant’s foliage is grass-like, adding texture to garden settings.

Dense Blazing Star is valued for its vertical accent in the garden, attracting butterflies and pollinators with its vibrant flowers. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle some shade, though it thrives in full sun. It is commonly used in perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and as a cut flower in arrangements. It prefers well-drained, moist soils but does not tolerate wet conditions in winter. Regular watering during the first growing season is essential to develop a robust root system. Potential problems include root rot in overly wet soils and mildew if airflow is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-4 feet
Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, marsh margins, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Blazing Star, Button Snakewort, Prarie Gay Feather, Dense Blazing-Star, Florist Gayfeather, Marsh Blazing-Star, Marsh Gayfeather, Sessile Blazing-Star, Sessile-Headed Blazing-Star, Prachtscharte

Scientific Names: , Liatris spicata, Liatris callilepis, Liatris pilosa, Lacinaria spicata, Liatris spicata var. montana, Liatris macrostachya, Lacinaria spicata f. spicata, Liatris pumila, Liatris spicata f. montana

GBIF Accepted Name: Liatris spicata (L.) Willd.