Liatris
( lye - AY - triss )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly referred to as Gayfeather or Blazing Star, this species of perennial flowering plants sprout from corms, and need full sun and regular water. the flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. They are native to eastern and central North America, and form tufts of grass-like leaves; they reach up to 4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Flowers are small and light purple, with protruding stamens. These plants can endure a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, aridity, and poor soil, though during winter dormancy does need to be provided with some nutrients.
|
Liatris species and Varietals
The genus Liatris is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes about 50 species. Gayfeather grows best in zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Liatris acidota (Gulf Coast Gayfeather, Sharp Blazing Star, Sharp Gayfeather) This species is found in Louisiana and Texas, and grows well in coastal prairies and dry savannahs. These plants prefer sandy to clay soils. Stems are hairless and hold spikes of purple flowers that bloom from June through October. Plants top out around 35 inches tall at maturity when in bloom. |
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star, Button Blazing Star, Lacerate Blazing Star, Tall Prairie Blazing Star, Tall Gayfeather) This species is native to central and eastern areas of North America, and form a single, erect unbranched flowering stem that reaches up to 6 feet tall. Flowers are purple to dark lavender in color, and bloom from the middle of August through October. Seeds mature in October and November. |
Liatris elegans (Pinkscale Gayfeather, Pinkscale Blazingstar, Elegant Blazingstar) This species is native to the southeastern United States, and grows from corm. Upright growing stems usually have hairs, and flowers can range in color from pink and purple to yellow and white. These plants prefer to grow in dry, sandy soils and in prairie and pineland landscapes. |
Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star, Prairie Feather, Gayfeather, Button Snakeroot)
Native to moist prairies and meadows, these plants typically grow in eastern North America, and produce tall spikes of purple flowers. This species is popularly cultivated as a garden ornamental, and flower color varies somewhat depending on the cultivar grown.
Native to moist prairies and meadows, these plants typically grow in eastern North America, and produce tall spikes of purple flowers. This species is popularly cultivated as a garden ornamental, and flower color varies somewhat depending on the cultivar grown.
Caring for Liatris
Blazing Star plants can be planted in springtime 6-8 inches apart. If you are planting bare rootstock, bury them 2 inches deep. Clumps should only be divided when performance begins to decline, and should be done in springtime.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 410, Liatris spicata
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!