Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)

Liatris aspera, also called rough blazing star or button blazing star, is a medium-sized, upright, clump-forming native perennial which occurs naturally in open prairies and along woodland margins throughout much of the eastern United States. Typically growing to 2-3' tall with a narrow spread of only 1-2' wide, blazing star's foliage is grass-like, but arranged around an upright central stem. Starting in mid summer and continuing on until the fall, blazing star produces showy, star-like light purple flowers that attract a number of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Liatris aspera differs from the more common dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) by its shorter stature and its smaller, more rounded button-like flowers.

Although smaller, summer blooms are showy and make for a beautiful addition to cut flower arrangements, and cutting back flowers will also encourage reblooming throughout the summer. Be sure to leave some flowers stalks in place, however, as rough blazing star is an absolute butterfly magnet, providing nectar to a diverse array of beautiful butterflies all summer long. A great pick for meadows, pollinator gardens, and small flower beds, Liatris aspera grows best in full sun and in well-draining, medium-dry soils, though it is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types, including poor, sandy or rocky soils, as well as drought. In addition to pollinator appeal, small seeds begin appearing in early fall and attract a variety of songbirds, making rough blazing star an excellent addition for year round ecological appeal, and a long-lasting bloom window to boot!