Photo of Liatris microcephala flower by Mason Brock

Photo by Mason Brock

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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Liatris microcephala

Also Known As

  • Narrow Leaf Blazing Star

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 8"-12"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Liatris microcephala plant details

Liatris microcephala is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Liatris microcephala

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 IN - 12 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, native plant, rare, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Liatris microcephala

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This baby hails from Appalachia, a mini version of Liatris spicata. Clumping perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves topped with 18-24” stems crowned with spikes of round, fluffy, rose-purple flowers in summer, opening top to bottom, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Best in full sun in well-drained soil, moderate water to dry. Drought tolerant, deer resistant. Nice cut flower.

Gardening facts about Liatris microcephala plant

How to Grow Liatris microcephala

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

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

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Liatris for your garden

aka Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Purple Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 8"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Liatris spicata 'Kobold' by Arrowhead Alpines
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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
View Plant

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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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More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

+19 more Liatris
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