Liatris pycnostachya

Also Known As

Prairie Blazing Star

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-5'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Liatris pycnostachya plant details

Liatris pycnostachya is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Does well in lean soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Liatris pycnostachya

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Liatris pycnostachya

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low

Soil needs: lean

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Liatris pycnostachya is one of the tallest of the blazing stars or gayfeathers. This Great Plains native can easily reach 2-4 feet tall and sometimes even top off at five feet in height! It has the typically fuzzy, magenta to lavender flower spikes that begin blooming at the top opening downwards. Tolerant of poor, moist, and clay soils, drought, heat, and humidity.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The grandaddy of the Blazingstars, Liatris pycnostachya is truly majestic with it's spectacular spike of tightly bunched lavender flowers that never fail to elicit comment. Prairie Blazingstar makes an excellent cut flower and holds its color well when dried. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are attracted to it all summer!? Does best in a rich, medium or moist soil. Also commonly known as Kansas Gayfeather. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.

By: Prairie Nursery

Bright purple flowers in dense 4' spikes; thrives on dry soils, great cut flower, easy. This is different from the plant that is widespread in the trade under this name; I trust these to be the true species. ZONE 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

The tall sturdy dense spikes of rich purple flowers of this beautiful native wildflower attract loads of butterflies and pollinators in summer. An easily grown native perennial that also makes an excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. The large bulb-like corm will produce several flower spikes once mature. When the Liatris are in flower, few plants can compete for the multitude of butterflies and other pollinators that they attract. Prairie Blazing Star is common in the prairies and forests of the central and north eastern US. Grow in an average to moist soil.