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Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)

Prairie Blazing Star, Prairie Gayfeather, Prairie Liatris, Kansas Blazing Star, Kansas Gayfeather, Kansas Liatris, Cat-tail Blazing Star, Cat-tail Gayfeather, Cat-tail Liatris, Hairy Button-snakeroot

Liatris pycnostachya, Prairie Blazing Star, Kansas Gayfeather, Kansas Gay Feather, Cat-Tail Gay Feather, Prairie Button, Purple Liatris, Purple Flowers
Liatris pycnostachya, Prairie Blazing Star, Kansas Gayfeather, Kansas Gay Feather, Cat-Tail Gay Feather, Prairie Button, Purple Liatris, Purple Flowers

One of the tallest blazing stars, Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting fluffy spikes densely packed with deep rose-purple flowers. Stamens and styles protrude from the tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over several weeks, the spectacular flower spikes contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American enjoys a long season of interest from mid to late summer and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Prairie Blazing Star adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens. It helps create outstanding combinations with the warm golds of Rudbeckia or the purple blossoms of Echinacea.

  • Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Flower spikes may need staking.
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers average, moist, well-drained soils. One of the few Liatris species that grows well in very moist soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens or native plant gardens, prairies and meadows, rain gardens. Great as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
  • Native to central and southeastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Blazing Star, Prairie Blazing Star, Gayfeather
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Midwest, Nebraska, Michigan, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, South Dakota, Minnesota, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Liatris microcephala (Dwarf Blazing Star)
Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star)
Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star)
Liatris punctata var. mucronata (Texas Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ (Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ (Blazing Star)

Recommended Companion Plants

Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
Rudbeckia triloba ‘Prairie Glow’ (Brown-Eyed Susan)
Echinacea purpurea PowWow White (Coneflower)
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Blazing Star, Prairie Blazing Star, Gayfeather
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Midwest, Nebraska, Michigan, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, South Dakota, Minnesota, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Liatris (Blazing Star)
Not sure which Liatris (Blazing Star) to pick?
Compare Now

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