Liatris spicata (Gayfeather, Blazing Star)
Commonly known as Blazing Star, Liatris is a striking addition to a native garden. In the summer, purplish-blue flowers erupt in long spikes standing 2 to 4 feet tall, which offer unique texture and visual interest in the landscape. This versatile plant is at home in woodland gardens, pocket prairies, cottage gardens, cut flower gardens, and pollinator gardens.
In natural settings, it commonly occurs in moist areas, mesic prairies, wood openings, and marsh edges. Liatris prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soils, but it will tolerate poorer soils and occasional flooding. Its striking flowers are attractive to many native pollinators including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.