densespike blazing star
Liatris punctata
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Pink , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Densespike blazing star (Liatris punctata) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, meadows, and cut flowers. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. A long taproot makes it the most drought-tolerant of the gayfeathers, and cutting it back during the growing season gives you a bushier plant. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Butterflies visit the rose-lavender flower spikes.
Pairs well with Old man's whiskers, Blue grama, and False indigo.
Native range
AR, CO, IA, IL, and 18 more places. See all 22
AR, CO, IA, IL, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI, WY; AB, MB, and SK.