Liatris Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: July through September
Bloom Description: Rose purple flowerheads on upright stems
Sun: Full sun
Attracts: Pollinators, hummingbirds, songbirds
Aster Family
Native to Jefferson County
Also known as Marsh Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star is native to moist low grounds, meadows, and prairie swales. Clumps of narrow, grass-like green leaves yield tall spikes that produce long flower heads with a fluffy appearance when in bloom. Plants form upright clumps and should be spaced 1 to 2 feet apart.
One of Ohio’s native prairie flowers, Dense Blazing Star does best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils, although it can easily be grown in average soils. However, it is not an aquatic plant and can’t tolerate wet soils year-round, particularly in winter.
Once a prominent prairie species, it is more often today found in gardens and native landscapes. It produces a thick, sweet rootstock called a corm, a favorite meal for voles. As with many native prairie plants, established blazing star varieties form a deep root, allowing the plants to reach nutrients and moisture that aren’t available to more shallow-rooted neighbors. Along with other native, deep rooted species, liatris is an important plant for stabilizing soils against erosion.
Dense Blazing Star is a showy and attractive plant particularly well-suited to rain gardens. It is also valued for the incredible diversity of insects and wildlife that it supports—including nectar loving butterflies such as monarchs, tiger swallowtails and Aphrodite fritillaries. Hummingbirds are a frequent visitor, as well as various songbirds in search of insects such as crab spiders, ladybugs and other beetles. The plant also supports native bees and bumblebees. Rabbits and groundhogs enjoy feasting on the leaves. After bloom, Liatris produces tiny sunflower-like seeds which are especially attractive to goldfinches. ■
