Liatris punctata var. mucronata
- Likes well-drained limestone soil does best if kept dry.
- Great nectar source for butterflies and other insects
- Cut back to 3″ after first hard freeze
Blazing Stars are unique and beautiful wildflowers. They are well-known for their colorful, feathery flower-heads which are densely clustered on stems covered with slender, grass-like leaves. This feather-like look is why the blazing star is commonly known as Gayfeather. The prairie blazing star blooms during the summer months to early fall, between late July and September.
Their erect stands of tall pink to dark lavender spikes are hard to miss. Though found naturally in the small native remnants of our prairie lands, the blazing star does remarkably well in home gardens. Its unusual characteristic of blooming from top to bottom makes the blazing star a good choice in fresh-cut floral arrangements. By merely pruning the top dead flowers, fresh flowers are just a snip away.
A group of summer blooming native wildflowers that are easy-to-grow and provide an ample late season nectar supply for butterflies. Deep rooted and long lived, this species is the best choice for xeriscapes. Liatris are resistant to browsing rabbits. These perennials stay dormant later in the spring than many plants, so be patient. An excellent xeriscape plant.
Common Names: Texas Liatris, Texas Blazing Star, Texas Gayfeather, Cusp Liatris, Cusp Blazing star, Cusp Gayfeather, Narrow-leaf Liatris, Narrow-leaf Blazing Star, Narrow-leaf Gayfeather