Blazing Stars of the Prairie:Â
Choosing the Right Liatris
Choosing the Right Liatris
Few native perennials put on a summer show quite like Liatris, commonly known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather. Their vibrant purple flower spikes rise above the surrounding landscape, providing weeks of color while attracting an incredible diversity of pollinators. While they may look similar at first glance, each species has its own personality, making it easy to find the perfect fit for almost any sunny landscape.
Natural Garden Natives currently offers four exceptional species, with a fifth exciting accession in production.
Natural Garden Natives currently offers four exceptional species, with a fifth exciting accession in production.
Liatris aspera – Rough Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry prairies, savannas, and well-drained landscapes
A favorite of prairie restorations and garden settings, Liatris aspera is distinguished by its tall, slender stems and widely spaced flower heads that give it a more open, natural appearance than the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. Its rough-textured leaves inspired its common name, Rough Blazing Star. Blooming in late summer, it provides an important nectar source when many other prairie flowers are beginning to fade.
Best for:Â Dry prairies, savannas, and well-drained landscapes
A favorite of prairie restorations and garden settings, Liatris aspera is distinguished by its tall, slender stems and widely spaced flower heads that give it a more open, natural appearance than the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. Its rough-textured leaves inspired its common name, Rough Blazing Star. Blooming in late summer, it provides an important nectar source when many other prairie flowers are beginning to fade.
- Height: 3–5 feet
- Soil Moisture: Dry to medium
- Flower: Large, widely spaced flower heads along a slender stem
- Bloom Time: August–September
- Pollinators: Monarchs, swallowtails, fritillaries, native bees, bumble bees, skippers, and hummingbirds
Liatris cylindracea – Cylindrical Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry prairies, rock gardens, slopes, and sandy soils
The smallest member of our collection, Liatris cylindracea forms compact clumps topped with short, rounded flower spikes. Its tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or the front of a planting.
Best for:Â Dry prairies, rock gardens, slopes, and sandy soils
The smallest member of our collection, Liatris cylindracea forms compact clumps topped with short, rounded flower spikes. Its tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or the front of a planting.
- Height: 12–18 inches
- Soil Moisture: Dry
- Flower: Short, compact spikes with relatively large individual flower heads
- Bloom Time: July–September
- Pollinators: Native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Liatris squarrosa – Scaly Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry to mesic prairies and naturalized landscapes
Unlike the dense flower spikes of many blazing stars, Liatris squarrosa features a looser, more open flower spike with large individual blooms that create a distinctive architectural look.
Best for:Â Dry to mesic prairies and naturalized landscapes
Unlike the dense flower spikes of many blazing stars, Liatris squarrosa features a looser, more open flower spike with large individual blooms that create a distinctive architectural look.
- Height: 18–24 inches
- Soil Moisture: Dry
- Flower: Open, airy spikes with larger individual flowers
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Butterflies, native bees, and parasitic wasps
Liatris spicata – Marsh Blazing Star
Best for:Â Rain gardens, moist meadows, and heavier soils
One of the most recognizable blazing stars, Liatris spicata produces dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that bloom from the top down—a unique characteristic of the genus. It performs exceptionally well in moist soils but is adaptable to typical garden conditions.
Best for:Â Rain gardens, moist meadows, and heavier soils
One of the most recognizable blazing stars, Liatris spicata produces dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that bloom from the top down—a unique characteristic of the genus. It performs exceptionally well in moist soils but is adaptable to typical garden conditions.
- Height: 3–4 feet
- Soil Moisture: Moist to well-drained
- Flower: Dense, narrow spikes
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Butterflies, bees, songbirds, and beneficial insects
Liatris pycnostachya – Prairie Blazing Star
Best for:Â Tallgrass prairies, meadows, and naturalized plantings
The tallest species we currently grow, Liatris pycnostachya creates a dramatic vertical accent in the landscape. Its robust stems and dense flower spikes make it a favorite for pollinators and an outstanding cut flower.
Best for:Â Tallgrass prairies, meadows, and naturalized plantings
The tallest species we currently grow, Liatris pycnostachya creates a dramatic vertical accent in the landscape. Its robust stems and dense flower spikes make it a favorite for pollinators and an outstanding cut flower.
- Height: 4–6 feet
- Soil Moisture: Moist to well-drained
- Flower: Thick, dense flower spikes
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, songbirds, and beneficial insects
Coming Soon: Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii
This monarch magnet is my personal Favorite. I am excited that we have begun trialing Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii, one of the showiest blazing stars native to the Midwest. This species features large, widely spaced flower heads that create a bold, open display unlike the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. The dark stems make this Liatris stand out.  Blooming later than many other Liatris species, it extends the nectar season well into late summer, making it especially valuable for migrating Monarch butterflies and late-season native bees.
Which Liatris Is Right for Your Project?
A Pollinator Powerhouse
No matter which species you choose, Liatris is one of the best native perennials for supporting wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, hummingbirds, beneficial wasps, and numerous other pollinating insects. As the flowers fade, the seed heads continue to provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds, adding ecological value long after the blooms have finished.
Whether you're designing a dry prairie, restoring a wet meadow, or adding vertical interest to a home landscape, there's a Liatris perfectly suited for the job.
This monarch magnet is my personal Favorite. I am excited that we have begun trialing Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii, one of the showiest blazing stars native to the Midwest. This species features large, widely spaced flower heads that create a bold, open display unlike the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. The dark stems make this Liatris stand out.  Blooming later than many other Liatris species, it extends the nectar season well into late summer, making it especially valuable for migrating Monarch butterflies and late-season native bees.
Which Liatris Is Right for Your Project?
A Pollinator Powerhouse
No matter which species you choose, Liatris is one of the best native perennials for supporting wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, hummingbirds, beneficial wasps, and numerous other pollinating insects. As the flowers fade, the seed heads continue to provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds, adding ecological value long after the blooms have finished.
Whether you're designing a dry prairie, restoring a wet meadow, or adding vertical interest to a home landscape, there's a Liatris perfectly suited for the job.
Blazing Stars of the Prairie:Â
Choosing the Right Liatris
Choosing the Right Liatris
Few native perennials put on a summer show quite like Liatris, commonly known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather. Their vibrant purple flower spikes rise above the surrounding landscape, providing weeks of color while attracting an incredible diversity of pollinators. While they may look similar at first glance, each species has its own personality, making it easy to find the perfect fit for almost any sunny landscape.
Natural Garden Natives currently offers four exceptional species, with a fifth exciting accession in production.
Natural Garden Natives currently offers four exceptional species, with a fifth exciting accession in production.
Liatris aspera – Rough Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry prairies, savannas, and well-drained landscapes
A favorite of prairie restorations and garden settings, Liatris aspera is distinguished by its tall, slender stems and widely spaced flower heads that give it a more open, natural appearance than the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. Its rough-textured leaves inspired its common name, Rough Blazing Star. Blooming in late summer, it provides an important nectar source when many other prairie flowers are beginning to fade.
Best for:Â Dry prairies, savannas, and well-drained landscapes
A favorite of prairie restorations and garden settings, Liatris aspera is distinguished by its tall, slender stems and widely spaced flower heads that give it a more open, natural appearance than the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. Its rough-textured leaves inspired its common name, Rough Blazing Star. Blooming in late summer, it provides an important nectar source when many other prairie flowers are beginning to fade.
- Height: 3–5 feet
- Soil Moisture: Dry to medium
- Flower: Large, widely spaced flower heads along a slender stem
- Bloom Time: August–September
- Pollinators: Monarchs, swallowtails, fritillaries, native bees, bumble bees, skippers, and hummingbirds
Liatris cylindracea – Cylindrical Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry prairies, rock gardens, slopes, and sandy soils
The smallest member of our collection, Liatris cylindracea forms compact clumps topped with short, rounded flower spikes. Its tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or the front of a planting.
Best for:Â Dry prairies, rock gardens, slopes, and sandy soils
The smallest member of our collection, Liatris cylindracea forms compact clumps topped with short, rounded flower spikes. Its tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or the front of a planting.
- Height: 12–18 inches
- Soil Moisture: Dry
- Flower: Short, compact spikes with relatively large individual flower heads
- Bloom Time: July–September
- Pollinators: Native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Liatris squarrosa – Scaly Blazing Star
Best for:Â Dry to mesic prairies and naturalized landscapes
Unlike the dense flower spikes of many blazing stars, Liatris squarrosa features a looser, more open flower spike with large individual blooms that create a distinctive architectural look.
Best for:Â Dry to mesic prairies and naturalized landscapes
Unlike the dense flower spikes of many blazing stars, Liatris squarrosa features a looser, more open flower spike with large individual blooms that create a distinctive architectural look.
- Height: 18–24 inches
- Soil Moisture: Dry
- Flower: Open, airy spikes with larger individual flowers
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Butterflies, native bees, and parasitic wasps
Liatris spicata – Marsh Blazing Star
Best for:Â Rain gardens, moist meadows, and heavier soils
One of the most recognizable blazing stars, Liatris spicata produces dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that bloom from the top down—a unique characteristic of the genus. It performs exceptionally well in moist soils but is adaptable to typical garden conditions.
Best for:Â Rain gardens, moist meadows, and heavier soils
One of the most recognizable blazing stars, Liatris spicata produces dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that bloom from the top down—a unique characteristic of the genus. It performs exceptionally well in moist soils but is adaptable to typical garden conditions.
- Height: 3–4 feet
- Soil Moisture: Moist to well-drained
- Flower: Dense, narrow spikes
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Butterflies, bees, songbirds, and beneficial insects
Liatris pycnostachya – Prairie Blazing Star
Best for:Â Tallgrass prairies, meadows, and naturalized plantings
The tallest species we currently grow, Liatris pycnostachya creates a dramatic vertical accent in the landscape. Its robust stems and dense flower spikes make it a favorite for pollinators and an outstanding cut flower.
Best for:Â Tallgrass prairies, meadows, and naturalized plantings
The tallest species we currently grow, Liatris pycnostachya creates a dramatic vertical accent in the landscape. Its robust stems and dense flower spikes make it a favorite for pollinators and an outstanding cut flower.
- Height: 4–6 feet
- Soil Moisture: Moist to well-drained
- Flower: Thick, dense flower spikes
- Bloom Time: July–August
- Pollinators: Hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, songbirds, and beneficial insects
Coming Soon: Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii
This monarch magnet is my personal Favorite. I am excited that we have begun trialing Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii, one of the showiest blazing stars native to the Midwest. This species features large, widely spaced flower heads that create a bold, open display unlike the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. The dark stems make this Liatris stand out.  Blooming later than many other Liatris species, it extends the nectar season well into late summer, making it especially valuable for migrating Monarch butterflies and late-season native bees.
Which Liatris Is Right for Your Project?
A Pollinator Powerhouse
No matter which species you choose, Liatris is one of the best native perennials for supporting wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, hummingbirds, beneficial wasps, and numerous other pollinating insects. As the flowers fade, the seed heads continue to provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds, adding ecological value long after the blooms have finished.
Whether you're designing a dry prairie, restoring a wet meadow, or adding vertical interest to a home landscape, there's a Liatris perfectly suited for the job.
This monarch magnet is my personal Favorite. I am excited that we have begun trialing Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii, one of the showiest blazing stars native to the Midwest. This species features large, widely spaced flower heads that create a bold, open display unlike the dense spikes of L. spicata or L. pycnostachya. The dark stems make this Liatris stand out.  Blooming later than many other Liatris species, it extends the nectar season well into late summer, making it especially valuable for migrating Monarch butterflies and late-season native bees.
Which Liatris Is Right for Your Project?
A Pollinator Powerhouse
No matter which species you choose, Liatris is one of the best native perennials for supporting wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, hummingbirds, beneficial wasps, and numerous other pollinating insects. As the flowers fade, the seed heads continue to provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds, adding ecological value long after the blooms have finished.
Whether you're designing a dry prairie, restoring a wet meadow, or adding vertical interest to a home landscape, there's a Liatris perfectly suited for the job.