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Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

Blazing star is a native perennial plant with clumps of feathery purple or white flowers that bloom in summer.

Appearance:

• Clumps of feathery purple or white flowers on long stalks
• Flowers bloom in summer, usually in July-August
• Flowers bloom from top to bottom along the stalks
• Grass-like leaves
• Grows 2-4 feet tall

Habitat:

• Found in moist meadows, marshes and open areas
• Grows in full or partial sun

Range:

• Grows throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed

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

Other Facts:

• Also known as gayfeather because of its feathery flowers
• Attracts 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