Blazing Star (Liatris sp.) is a tall stem wildflower topped with a spike of small purple flowers creating a very showy display. It is a short-lived perennial that varies in height (depending on species) and blooms in late summer into fall. Blazing Stars are incredible pollinator attractors and are some of the most striking blooms that we see in the fall. All species prefer full sun. Water and soil requirements are listed with each species below.

Check out our video on Blazing Star below!

Dense Blazing Star Liatris spicata

This species is the tallest of the Liatris species, up to 5-6ft tall. Plant in sandy soil with moist to average water.

Shortleaf Blazing Star Liatris tenuifolia

2.5 - 4 ft tall by 1 ft wide. Average to very dry sandy soils.

Graceful Blazing Star Liatris gracilis

2 - 4 ft tall by 1 ft wide. Plant in sandy soil with moist to average conditions. Drought tolerant once established.

Savanna Blazing Star Liatris savannensis

2 - 4.5 ft tall and 1 ft wide. Plant in sandy soil with moist to average water.

Elegant Blazing Star Liatris elegens

This species has white to lavender colored flowers. 2 - 5 ft tall and 1 ft wide. Loamy or sandy soil with average to very dry water.

Chapman's Blazing Star Liatris chapmanii

2-4 ft tall and 1 ft wide. Plant in sandy soil and average to extremely dry soil.

Clusterleaf Blazing Star

3-4 ft tall and 1 ft wide. Plant in extremely well-draining soil. It