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Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association

3 hours ago

Incorporating Native Plants in Your Garden – Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) - by EMG Intern Jenn

So why do we care about using native plants, other than their beauty? Studies suggest that native pollinators and other insects can make far better use of native plants than plants from other parts of the world. At a time when so many bees and other pollinators are endangered, we all need to create habitats for them, even if you don’t have a lot of room to garden -- pollinator container gardens work too!

And on to a Virginia native plant you can include in your garden! Blazing Star, or Liatris, is a tall perennial native to eastern North America. Another common name is Gayfeather. Liatris spicata (spicata means spiked, referring to the shape of the flowers) is in the family Asteraceae. The genus encompasses 37 species that bloom in almost every state east of the Rocky Mountains as well as Canada.

Blooming from July to September, the grass-like foliage sends up tall bottlebrush flower spikes in a variety of rose purples, as well as ‘Alba’, which is white. It grows 2-4’ tall by 1-2’ wide, and prefers full sun – plants will flop over in partial shade. This is a perennial that is long-lived and doesn’t require a lot of care in return for a lot of bloom – clumps increase slowly and rarely need division. If sowing seed, plant in the fall, or in later winter after stratification in moist to average acidic soil. Corms are faster, as seeded plants take several years to establish. The foliage turns a beautiful bronze in the fall. No serious pests or diseases!

The Xerces Society indicates that Liatris is of special value to both native bees and bumblebees. Butterflies and hummingbirds are also attracted to it. Goldfinches love the seeds! An old name for Liatris is colic root, alluding to its medicinal use. An excellent replacement for Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), which is considered invasive. The flowers open from the top down, a rarity in the botanical world. Known for being easy to grow, Liatris spicata also dries beautifully!

For more information about Liatris spicata, see plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/liatris-spicata/, where you'll also find this photo, or www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d780

Learn more about providing food for pollinators and optimizing your pollinator plantings at ento.psu.edu/pollinators/public-outreach/cert/cert-steps-step1. ... See MoreSee Less

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