Blazing Star
Liatris spicata

Appearance

The blazing star has clumps of feathery purple or white flowers on long stalks that bloom in summer, usually in July to August. The flowers bloom from top to bottom along the stalks. It has grass-like leaves. The plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

After blooming, flowers mature into seed heads. Wind, animals and other natural disturbances spread the seeds in autumn. Underground bulbs/tubers can be divided to form new plants.

Did You Know?

• The blazing star is also known as gayfeather because of its feathery flowers.
• Its flowers attract honeybees, songbirds and butterflies.

Sources and Additional Information

• Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• PLANTS Profile for Liatris spicata – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Liatris spicata – The University of Texas at Austin
• PlantFiles: Gayfeather, Blazing Star – Dave’s Garden