Asteraceae
Appalachian blazing star
Liatris squarrulosa
Also known as Lacinaria scariosa var. squarrulosa, Lacinaria ruthii, Lacinaria scabra, Appalachian liatris
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Native Perennial · Blazing Star · Liatris · Pollinator Plant · Purple Flowers · Butterfly Garden · Fall Bloomer · Appalachian Native · Prairie Plant · Wildflower
Appalachian blazing star is a stunning native perennial prized for its tall spikes of rosy-purple flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with at least partial sun, and water regularly until established — it is quite low-maintenance thereafter. This species is a powerhouse for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies and native bees, making it a must-have for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.4–7.5
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 4 ft
- Spacing
- 18 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Moths
Sources: trefle
More Liatris
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Marsh blazingstar
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Liatris punctata var. mucronata
Liatris punctata var. mucronata
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Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya
Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya
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