Liatris spicata (Dense Blazingstar)

Carrying a rare double "Special Value" designation from the Xerces Society - to both native bees and bumble bees specifically - dense blazingstar pairs genuine wetland versatility with confirmed larval host status for two named Liatris-specialist moths, making it one of the most ecologically documented species in the entire catalog.

Species Overview

Liatris spicata is a clump-forming perennial native to North American prairies, meadows, and wetlands, growing 2 to 5 feet tall and producing tall, showy spikes of purple to lavender flowers from midsummer to early fall. Unusual among Liatris species, its flowering spike blooms from the top downward, and it is more tolerant of consistently moist soil than most of its relatives.

Application

• Pollinator gardens and prairie restoration - special native bee and bumble bee value
• Rain gardens, water feature margins, and naturalized moist prairies
• Cut flower and dried arrangement production
• Larval host habitat for the Liatris Flower Moth and Liatris Borer Moth

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range from moist to well-drained
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Purple; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Found in moist meadows and prairies, tolerating more soil moisture than most other blazing stars in the genus.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) - shallow fibrous roots from a corm
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Some - moderately resistant
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports butterflies, supports moths, supports hummingbirds

Planting Guidance

• Dead stems left standing over winter provide nesting habitat for stem-nesting native bees.