July’s Native Plant of the Month: Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Among the roughly 50 species of Liatris native to North America, one stands out: Liatris spicata, commonly known as Dense Blazing Star, Blazing Star, Gayfeather, or Marsh Blazing Star. This herbaceous perennial, belonging to the Aster family (Asteraceae), is native to the eastern United States. Sporting grass-like foliage, it bursts into bloom during the summer months, typically between July and August. Its flowers form in clusters of tiny, star-shaped blooms ranging from purple to pink, adorning terminal spikes. Growing to a height of 2-4 feet, Liatris spicata thrives in moist areas and meadows, offering lower maintenance and impressive drought tolerance. It flourishes in full sun to part shade and effortlessly withstands summer heat and humidity.
Liatris spicata can be grown from seed, with cold stratification for 30-60 days significantly boosting germination rates. Sowing seeds in late fall or early winter effectively achieves this. Although it may not bloom until its second year, L. spicata forms corms—modified, underground stems serving as food storage structures for the plant—that can be dug up in spring, divided, and transplanted.
With its exceptional ornamental value, L. spicata adds a vibrant burst of color to any landscape, complemented by its intriguing spiky foliage. Its purple to pink blooms pair beautifully with yellow counterparts like Goldenrod (Solidago), Tickseed (Coreopsis), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), as well as pink varieties such as Coneflower (Echinacea), Ironweed (Vernonia), or Phlox spp. Additionally, Liatris provides an appealing color and texture contrast when planted alongside dark foliage plants like select cultivars of weigela, ninebark (Physocarpus), and Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon). Whether planted in drifts for a vibrant display or used individually as accents, the versatility of Liatris spicata makes it a splendid choice for any garden setting, offering numerous possibilities for landscape enhancement.
