Liatris ligulistylis (Meadow Blazing Star)

Liatris ligulistylis, also called meadow blazing star, is a tall, upright, clump-forming native perennial which occurs in the wild in open meadows and plains throughout the central U.S. Typically growing 3-5' tall in the wild and in the landscape, Liatris ligulistylis is noted as an excellent nectar source for migratory populations of monarch butterflies. For most of its life-cycle, meadow blazing star can be mistaken for a dense clump of grass, but come summer, dense, showy flower spikes begin produces a profusion of fluffy, pink-purple blooms around a central stalk which last into the fall.

A versatile pick for a variety of garden types, Liatris ligulistylis flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. In addition to pollinator appeal, plants act as a host for a number of butterfly and moth larvae and small seeds in the fall can attract a variety of hungry songbirds. Though meadow blazing star prefers things a bit drier than more wet-loving species like Liatris spicata, it is not picky about soil type, and can deer and rabbit browsing as well as some partial shade.