Photo of Liatris squarrosa flower by Prairie Nursery

Photo by Prairie Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Liatris squarrosa

Also Known As

  • Gayfeather
  • Scaly Blazing Star

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 10"-18"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Liatris squarrosa plant details

Liatris squarrosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, average and gritty soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Liatris squarrosa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Liatris squarrosa

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, average and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The unique Scaly Blazingstar (Liatris squarrosa) produces a mound of brilliant purple-pink flowers in late summer. Excellent for hot, dry sites. Plant with other low growing prairie flowers such as Prairie Spiderwort, Wild Petunia, and Showy Goldenrod for a great show! Hardy to Zones 4 - 8.
Clusters of deep violet-purple flowers emerge from short upright to arching stems in summer and are held above the deep green grass-like foliage of this tough bulbous native perennial wildflower. A very early and often long flowering drought tolerant Liatris. Attracts butterflies. This beautiful perennial wildflower is common to the Pineywoods of western Louisiana and east Texas and needs a well drained soil for best results. Grown from locally collected seeds.

Gardening facts about Liatris squarrosa plant

How to Grow Liatris squarrosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Liatris for your garden

aka Liatris callolepsis, Serratula spicata, Blazing Star, Button Snakeroot, Gayfeather

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Liatris spicata flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
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aka Narrow Leaf Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 8"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Liatris microcephala flower by Mason Brock
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aka Liatris ligulistylus, Large-headed Liatris

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Liatris ligulistylis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Cattail Gayfeather, Eureka Button Snakeroot, Kansas Gayfeathe, Prairie Blazing Star, Tall Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 18"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Liatris pycnostachya 'Eureka' flower by Far Reaches Farm
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aka Prairie Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Liatris pycnostachya flower by Daderot
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+19 more Liatris
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