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Prairie Blazing Star

Liatris pycnostachya

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium
Bloom time
Jul–Sep
Bloom color
Purple

About Prairie Blazing Star

Prairie Blazing Star is a magnificent showstopper of the tallgrass prairie, sending up tightly packed spikes of fuzzy purple flowers that can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. Unlike most plants, its blooms open from the top of the spike downward, creating a long-lasting display from mid to late summer. This resilient perennial thrives in full sun and moist to medium soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or damp meadow plantings. Its nectar-rich blossoms are a magnet for monarch butterflies, swallowtails, and numerous native bees. For best results, sow seeds in the fall to allow for natural cold stratification, ensuring a robust stand of these vertical 'sparklers.' Its deep root system and sturdy stems allow it to stand tall even in windy prairie conditions. It is a cornerstone species for any pollinator-focused landscape.

Native range

Native to 22 states:

ArkansasIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiNorth DakotaNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasWisconsin

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Liatris pycnostachya

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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