Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)

Distinguishing Characteristics

leaves long, narrow, up to 1/2-inch wide, grass like with parallel veins

Height

up to 5 feet, typically 3-4 feet

Blooms

July to October

Description

The leaves are alternate and sometimes over 12-inches long, reducing in size up the stem. The flower heads are in a long dense spike, often more than 12-inches long.

Comments

This attractive wildflower is found in dry to mesic prairies, roadsides and open fields. Often found in large colonies, individual plants have three to 10 flower stalks and may take five years to bloom. Non-flowering plants look like a clump of grass. Excellent nectar source for many species of butterflies.