Liatris aspera also known as the lacerate, rough, tall or prairie blazing star is a wildflower that is found in the mid to eastern United States in habitats that range from mesic to dry prairie and dry savanna.
Family:
Asteraceae (Aster)
Height:
1 to 4 feet
Leaves:
Grass-like leaves are narrow and lance-shaped (around 3” long), with a prominent midvein and pointed tip. Leaves are alternately attached and densely crowded along the stem. Basal leaves (up to 12” long) are generally wider than stem leaves, typically withering away by the time the plant flowers.
Flower:
Button-like, magenta flowerheads (up to 1” across) grow in a loose raceme at the top of the plant, Stalkless, or occasionally very short-stalked, flowerheads bloom from the top down. Each flowerhead consists of 25-40 tiny, star-shaped flowers with stringy, protruding styles.
Bloom time:
July-September
Nicknames:
Tall Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Tall Gayfeather
Habitat:
Rough Blazing Star prefers full sun, dry to well-drained conditions, and slightly acidic, nutrient poor, sandy soils; however, it also tolerates more fertile soils, as well as those that contain clay, loam, or rock. It is commonly found in dry prairies, open woodlands, savannas, glades, and along roadsides and railroads.
Wildlife Benefits:
Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and many species of bees and butterflies, including Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Black Swallowtails. Foliage is a food source for rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and many small rodents.
Can I plant this in my garden?
Given drier soils and adequate sunlight, this species is fairly easy to grow, especially in sandy, nutrient-poor soils. It may flop over if planted in nutrient-rich soils, and is susceptible to damage by herbivory, but it is also very drought tolerant.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/rough-blazing-star
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/rgh_blazingstarx.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/liatris-ligulistylis/
Family | Asteraceae |
---|---|
Habit | Forb |
Flower | pink, purple |
Origin | native |
Life cycle | perennial |
Bloom time | (7) July, (8) August, (9) September |
*sites | Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |