Rough Blazing Star

Liatris aspera

A refreshing bit of purple in the garden with its little buttons or puffs that cover the vertical flower spike

Introduction

Rough Blazing star can be found at Gabis Arboretum in the Native Plant Garden circle. The rough blazing star matures to 3′ in height and has purple flowers.

This Liatris prefers medium to dry soil conditions and will bloom for many weeks in the months of July to October. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate a fair amount of shade.

Butterflies, skippers, and bees are greatly attracted to the flowers of Liatris aspera. Many insects visit the flowers of Liatris aspera including honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees.

Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and more. Like all Liatris species, Button Blazing Star is great in flower arrangements both as fresh and dried as the flowers keep their purple color.

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