Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Dense Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

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

About Dense Blazing Star

Dense Blazing Star is one of the most popular blazing stars, prized for its exceptionally thick spikes of brilliant purple flowers. Reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet, this clump-forming perennial adds dramatic vertical structure to sunny gardens or wetland margins. It is highly adaptable, flourishing in full sun and moist to medium soils, and is often used in landscaping for its reliable performance. The nectar-rich spikes are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees, making it a cornerstone of pollinator habitats. Naturally found in marshy areas, it is particularly well-suited for heavy clay soils that retain moisture. Its attractive grass-like foliage remains tidy throughout the season, providing a clean backdrop for its spectacular mid-summer floral display. It is an excellent choice for rain gardens and moist meadows.

Native range

Native to 26 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginiaWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Liatris spicata

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

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