prairie blazing star

Prairie blazing star can be distinguished from closely related Liatris pycnostachya (prairie blazing star) by the tiny leaflets that curve away from the flower bud (recurved bracts).

Liatris pycnostachya (prairie blazing star) is a beautiful plant that resembles a fairy wand. One of the tallest Liatris species in cultivation, typically growing 2-4′ tall. It is upright clump-forming native perennial which is commonly found in prairies, open woods, meadows and along railroads tracks and roads. They feature a rounded, fluffy, deep rose-purple flower heads, which are crowded into terminal spikes atop thickly-leafed, rigid flower stalks. Flowers open from top to bottom on the spikes.

Liatris belongs to the aster family, with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers (resembling “blazing star”) and no rays. The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Sulfurs, Whites, and others. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules.