Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Northern Blazing Star

Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii

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

About Northern Blazing Star

Northern Blazing Star, also known as Savanna Blazing Star, is a refined choice for transitional spaces like woodland edges or savannas. This variety is distinguished by its larger, more loosely arranged flower heads that resemble purple pom-poms atop 2 to 4-foot stems. Blooming in late summer and early autumn, it provides a critical late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies and long-tongued bees. It prefers full to partial sun and well-drained, medium to dry soils, showing remarkable drought tolerance once established. The distinctive bracts surrounding the flower heads have a unique, slightly recurved appearance that adds textural interest even before the flowers fully open. Planting this species helps preserve a less common member of the Liatris genus while supporting a diverse array of pollinators in your garden.

Native range

Native to 24 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutDelawareGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMissouriNorth CarolinaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginiaWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii

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

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