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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Liatris pycnostachya is a trademark of prairies, with wand like blooms in July and August. Prairie Blazing Star provides a vertical design element with impressive spikes of tightly bunched lavender flowers. The lilac tufted flowers begin blooming at the top and work their way down the single stem. Flower spikes fade and brown to copper fruits provide a textural element to the garden in the fall.

HABITAT AND HARDINESS: Full sun and adequate moisture allow for ease of growth and optimal flowering. The species is tolerant of clay and sandy soils and can withstand droughts. Prairie blazing star is native to central and southeast US, so fully prepared to thrive in heat and humidity. Plants will not persist in wet winter soils. Commonly occur in prairies, open woods, meadows and along railroad tracks and roads.

Hardy Zone 3-9.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Liatris pycnostachya grows to a height of 2-5 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. Liatris pycnostachya has medium textured linear foliage and is the tallest species of Liatris in cultivation.
The purple disc flowers arranged in heads, are crowded on a coarse, hairy, leafy stem and bloom from top to bottom. The reflexed whorl of bracts below the heads have long pointed purplish tips that distinguish it from other species. Lilac-purple flowers occur from July-August.

CULTURAL AND MAINTENANCE: Low maintenance and no serious pest problems. Flower stalks may need staking in certain weather conditions.

LANDSCAPE USES: Perfect for back of the border or in groups for cottage gardens, rock gardens, rain gardens naturalized areas and pollinator gardens. The showy, large flowers are good cut flowers.

The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies and birds will eat the seeds. Plants in the Liatris genus are known to host numerous small moths, such as the Blazing Star Borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis).

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Liatris pycnostachya with Andropogon gerardii, Asclepias tuberosa, Aster oblongifolius, Coreopsis tripteris, Monarda fistulosa, Echinacea purpurea or Eryngium yuccifolium.

Liatris ligulistylis would be an appropriate replacement due to similar flowers and habitat needs.

TRIVIA: Liatris belongs to the aster family, with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers and no ray flowers. The feathery flower heads give rise to several common names including blazing star and gayfeather. The meaning of pycnostachya in Greek means crowded, likely referring to the densely packed flower heads on the stalk.