Liatris spicata resinosa (Bog Blazing Star)

The southern, loosely-flowered counterpart to dense blazing star, bog blazing star carries the same rich pollinator and larval-host value as its more widely-grown relative - including two named Liatris-specialist moths - in a form suited to occasionally wet or dry southeastern soils.

Species Overview

Liatris spicata var. resinosa, or bog blazing star, is a perennial in the daisy family native to the Southeast United States, with a clumping, erect habit reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. It differs from the typical variety by having flowers more loosely spaced across the stem, still blooming from the top down, with purple (rather than green) bracts. Showy flower spikes may be pink, purple, or white.

Application

• Southeastern meadow and bog-margin restoration
• Perennial borders tolerant of occasionally wet or dry soil
• 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
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist soil with good drainage; tolerates occasionally wet or dry soil, heat, humidity, and poor soil
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Purple; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Southeastern United States, primarily the coastal plain from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - This variety shares the straight species' (Liatris spicata) somewhat greater moisture tolerance relative to most other blazing stars.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) - shallow fibrous roots from a corm
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: Some - moderately resistant
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports moths, supports hummingbirds