Dense Blazing Star

Scientific name

Liatris spicata

Description

Dense Blazing Star is a tall clump-forming perennial wildflower species that can grow between 30 and 60 cm. It has an erect central stem (no branching) that is smooth and purplish/green with many grass-like leaves circulating alternately around it. The leaves are long, narrow, and hairy with one noticeable central vein. This plant is very noticeable when in bloom as it has a wand-like spike of purplish/pink flowers at the top of the central stem. The flowers consist of 4-10 disk florets with a tubular corolla that opens up to 5 spreading star-like lobes and a deeply split protruding style. It prefers moist, well-drained areas such as meadows, moist fields, and along river of lake shorelines. It attracts lots of butterflies and pollinators, as well as mammals such as deer and rabbits. Unfortunately, Dense Blazing Star is listed as threatened under SARA in Ontario. It's main threat is habitat loss due to urban development and habitat alteration. It only naturally occurs in southwestern Ontario with 11-13 known populations. Therefore, this is a great species to plant in suitable areas in Ontario to help protect a threatened species.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 30-60 cm
• Spread:
  • 0.5 m