Prairie Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya
Asteraceae
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Native distribution
WIto SD, S. to LA & E. TX
Location
Palmer-Kinne Dogwood Collection
Source of plant
Prairie Moon Nursery
Description
The stems of this showy perennial are 2-5 ft. tall, and nearly half of this is the flower spike. A spike of rayless, rose-purple (rarely white), cylindrical, stalkless flower heads densely crowded on a coarse, hairy, very leafy stem. Stamens and styles protrude from the purple, tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowers bloom from the top of the spike downward. The lower portion of the stem is covered with short, fuzzy, grass-like leaves.
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
Special characteristics
butterfly plant, bee plant