Prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya) blooms in late summer. A native of the tallgrass prairie, prairie blazing star is distinguished from other Liatris species by the sharply arched bract (modified leaf) below each flower head. Each flower head has five to 10 tufted, lilac-purple flowers that bloom from the top down. The flowers attract butterflies and long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and leaf-cutting bees. Below the flower stalk is a stem with short, hairy leaves resembling grass. The entire plant, from corm to stem and flowers, is a tasty treat for rabbits, groundhogs, and voles.
July - August, September - October
Bedding or Border, Specimen Plant, Groundcover
Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Native to Midwest