Native to the Eastern and Ohio Valley region of the U.S., Liatris - also known as Gayfeather due to the feathery appearance of it’s flower stalks) – is an aster family perennial both whose beauty and value to pollinators are hard to match.

Featuring lance-like leaves that are quite narrow and nearly up to a foot long at maturity, the leaves themselves can also induce thoughts of feathers. Come early summer, at least one, and often multiple stalks emerge which are soon covered in purple and green bracts (white and green in the white variety). A two to three month blooming period commences, during which time all sorts of pollinators visit.

Monarchs find Blazing Star to be a favorite nectar source, as do numerous other butterflies. It is also the sole host plant for two types of Schinia pollinating moths.

Of course, beyond this, expect plenty of visits from both the larger bees like Bumble Bees, to the moderately sized Honey Bee and tiny leaf cutters, as well as critical parasitic wasps and pollinating flies such as Hover Flies.

Bird lovers will also appreciate the draw of hummingbirds to Blazing Star. Ultimately, Liatris is a food plant to a wide range of important creatures that surround us. 

Care:

Liatris prefers moist soils, though it will tolerate most conditions. It’s native habitat tends to be in lower lying areas, along the rim of marshlands, and in fields that receive ample rainfall.

Avoid planting it where it will sit in cold, wet feet out of season, so ensure that it is planted into a light, well draining soil (amend as necessary). Otherwise, Liatris is ideal for a rain garden or any moist location. Water it freely in drier weather.

Liatris requires little other care, perhaps other than cutting back spent flower stalks to encourage a longer bloom season.

Division is easy, separating the corms every three to four years for continued optimum beauty and to have a greater spread of this treasure. Division in the autumn, having bloom season, is ideal. While divisions can also be done in the spring, it may interfere with the upcoming summer’s bloom display.

Photo Credit:
Patrick Standish