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Scaly Blazing Star

Liatris squarrosa

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

About Scaly Blazing Star

Scaly Blazing Star is a compact and charming addition to rock gardens or dry prairies, typically reaching only 1 to 2 feet in height. Its name refers to the unique, pointed bracts that curve outward from the flower heads, giving the purple blossoms a distinctly 'scaly' or textured appearance. This species is perfectly suited for full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants might struggle. Despite its smaller stature, it is a powerhouse for wildlife, attracting a variety of bees and butterflies throughout its mid-summer blooming period. Its deep, tuberous roots make it exceptionally drought-resistant, allowing it to thrive in the heat of summer with minimal maintenance. This rugged beauty brings a touch of wild prairie character to even the smallest garden spaces and is ideal for lean, well-drained sites.

Native range

Native to 27 states:

AlabamaArkansasColoradoD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMichiganMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNebraskaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Liatris squarrosa

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

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