Liatris spicata ~ Marsh Blazing Star, Gayfeather

Liatris spicata ~ Marsh Blazing Star, GayfeatherMarsh Blazing Star is an upright clumping native perennial with basal tufts of narrow grass like medium green foliage. Sturdy stalks rise in summer with fluffy purple disk flowers in summer. Grows best in full sun and moist fertile soils. Drought and heat tolerant. Liatris spicata is a host plant for 4 species: the rare Glorious Flower Moth, and the Painted Lady, Painted Indian butterfly, and Silvery Checkerspot butterfly. Attracts various bees and

Marsh Blazing Star is an upright clumping native perennial with basal tufts of narrow grass-like medium green foliage.   Sturdy stalks rise in summer with fluffy purple disk flowers in summer.  Grows best in full sun and moist fertile soils.  Drought and heat tolerant.

Liatris spicata is a host plant for 4 species: the rare Glorious Flower Moth, and the Painted Lady, Painted Indian butterfly, and Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.  Attracts various bees and butterflies with its nectar and birds to eat the seeds.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Water regularly, but intolerant of wet soils in winter. No serious pests or diseases.  Taller stems may need to be staked,

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Ponds and Streams, Rock Gardens, Native Gardens, Wildlife Garden, Foundational Plantings, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Aster

IMAGE: Hedwig Storch, Liatris spicata IMG 5798, CC BY-SA 3.0