Shortleaf Blazing Star
(Liatris tenuifolia)
Shortleaf Blazing Star (Liatris tenuifolia)
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Bob Peterson
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Bob Peterson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bob Peterson | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ | Uploader: bob in swamp | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Liatris tenuifolia, commonly known as Shortleaf Blazing Star, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the southeastern United States, particularly thriving in open woodlands, prairies, and savannas. It typically grows to a height of 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features narrow, grass-like leaves and erect, unbranched stems topped with dense spikes of feathery, purple flowers that bloom in the late summer and fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Shortleaf Blazing Star is valued for its showy flowers and ability to adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and borders, where its vertical form adds visual interest. It is relatively low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and can be propagated by division or seeds. While it generally requires full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Shortleaf Blazing Star is valued for its showy flowers and ability to adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and borders, where its vertical form adds visual interest. It is relatively low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and can be propagated by division or seeds. While it generally requires full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, prairies, and savannas in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Pine-Needle Gayfeather, Shortleaf Gayfeather
Scientific Names: , Liatris tenuifolia, Lacinaria tenuifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Liatris tenuifolia Nutt.