Description
Dense (Marsh) Blazing Star, Liatris spicata
QUART POT
Light: Full sun, partial sun
Moisture: Medium to wet
Soil: Moist, well-drained loam or clay
Height: 3–6 ft.
Bloom Season: July–August
Bloom Color: Purple/Pink
Notes: Marsh blazing star is a slender perennial with an erect central stalk surrounded by grass-like leaves, clumped at the base and become smaller as the stalk rises. In mid-summer, the stalk will transition from a leaf-covered stalk to a purple wand (6–18” long) of rounded, fluffy, deep purple flowerheads composed of many florets. The blooms start at the top of the stalk and move downward over a 3–4 week period. Later, the flowers mature into small, cylindrical seeds with fluffy tufts.
This plant may not bloom until the second year. By the third year, expect 3–6 stalks on a single plant for an impressive display. The grass-like foliage is ornamental in spring before blooming, and the spikes of seed heads look great in fall. Best in full sun with moist well-drained soil, but will tolerate heavier or gravelly soils. Add organic matter to help retain moisture during drought. The bulb-like “corm” roots may be divided every 5 years. Appropriate for butterfly and rain gardens, perennial borders, moist meadows, water margins, and roadsides.
Marsh Blazing Star is often cultivated for its amazing ability to attract pollinators. While in bloom, it is almost always surrounded by a bevy of butterflies, bees, skippers, and moths. Also attracts Hummingbirds. Birds will feed on the seed in fall.
