Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)

Distinguishing Characteristics

Basal leaves are short-stalked and may be up to 16 inches long, but more typically are 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide, with short hairs on upper and lower leaf surfaces and along the leaf margin

Height

Usually 2 to 3 feet; taller under favorable conditions

Blooms

August-November

Description

Unbranched stalks; bracts rounded, somewhat spreading; heads have 16-35 minute flowers. Button-size clusters of flowers are spread along the upper third of the flowering spike.

Comments

Found on dry prairies, glades and savannas. Occasionally used in native forbs seed mixes, especially for custom mixes for drier soils. May take several years to bloom from seed, and plants may not bloom every year. Rough blazing star is an excellent nectar source for insects.

Seeds (scale is in 1/16 inch increments)	Seedling	Juvenile
Distinguishing Characteristics	Mature