Prairie Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya
Prairie Blazing Star is one of the most dramatic and beloved perennial wildflowers of the North American tallgrass prairie. Its tall, dense spikes of vivid purple flowers -- blooming from the top down -- are a magnet for monarchs, hummingbirds, and native bees, symbolizing ambition, bliss, and the soaring spirit of summer.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Mid to late summer (July-August; occasionally into early September)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: liatriss and mountain blazing stars also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Prairie Blazing Star is one of the quintessential symbols of the North American tallgrass prairie -- a landscape that once covered over 170 million acres of the continent and has since been reduced to less than 1%. Its striking, top-down blooming sequence and brilliant purple color made it a landmark plant that prairie travelers and naturalists noted with awe. In many Indigenous traditions, Liatris species were used medicinally, particularly for throat ailments and as a general tonic, and were associated with vitality and healing energy. In the modern language of flowers, blazing star represents enthusiasm and bliss, reflecting its exuberant summer presence and its role as one of the most generous providers of nectar for the monarch butterfly during its southward migration.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun is essential for straight, upright stems; partial shade causes stem twisting and leaning
Water
Medium moisture; one of the most moisture-tolerant Liatris species and able to grow in moist clay soils; also drought tolerant once established through its deep corm
Soil
Moist to well-drained, Clay-tolerant, Sandy loam, Rocky, Poor to average fertility
Expert Growing Tips
Plant corms 3-4 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in full sun in spring or fall
Mature corms can be divided every 2-3 years in spring to propagate new plants
Plant in full sun to prevent stem twisting -- this is the most common cultivation issue
Leave seed heads standing through winter; goldfinches feed on the seeds and the structure adds winter interest
Pairs beautifully with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and wildflower gardens as a tall, dramatic mid-summer vertical accent
- Butterfly and pollinator gardens for monarchs, swallowtails, and native bees
- Back-of-border planting in cottage or perennial gardens
- Cut flowers with an exceptionally long vase life -- also excellent dried
- Hummingbird garden planting for late summer interest
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Prairie Blazing Star
What does prairie blazing star symbolize?
Prairie blazing star symbolizes bliss, ambition, and vitality. Its tall, exuberant spikes of summer purple have made it an emblem of enthusiasm and bold joy, and its generous provision of nectar for monarchs and pollinators links it to themes of generosity and ecological abundance.
Why does blazing star bloom from the top down?
Unlike most flowers that bloom from the bottom up, Liatris species bloom from the top of the spike downward. This is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that benefits pollinators -- insects can work their way up from the older, more developed flowers at the bottom to the fresh, newly opened flowers at the top, improving pollination efficiency.
Is prairie blazing star good for monarchs and butterflies?
Yes -- prairie blazing star is one of the most important nectar sources for monarch butterflies during their late-summer southward migration. It also attracts many other butterfly species, native bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, making it a top choice for pollinator gardens.
How tall does prairie blazing star grow?
Prairie blazing star typically grows 2-4 feet tall, though in ideal moist conditions it can reach up to 5 feet. It is one of the taller Liatris species, making it an excellent back-of-border plant. Individual mature plants can produce up to 42 flower spikes, though 10 or so is more typical.
How do you grow prairie blazing star from corms?
Plant corms 3-4 inches deep in full sun with average, moist to well-drained soil in spring or fall. Unlike most Liatris, this species tolerates clay and moist conditions well. Ensure full sun to keep stems straight. Corms can be divided every 2-3 years to propagate new plants.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Liatris
Liatris spp. (incl. L. spicata, L. pycnostachya)
Liatris, known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a striking North American native perennial with tall wands of vivid purple or white fluffy flower spikes that bloom from top to bottom. It symbolizes joy, happiness, and the bold beauty of the American prairie.
Mountain Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Mountain Blazing Star is a striking native North American perennial that produces tall, feathery spikes of brilliant purple-pink flowers beloved by pollinators. It symbolizes vitality, protection, and connection to the natural world.
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Houttuynia cordata
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