• Liatris ligulistylis

    Meadow blazing star

Liatris ligulistylis

Meadow blazing star Description:

Liatris ligulistylis, also known as Rocky Mountain blazing star, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) and has a clumping habit with narrow, grass-like leaves that are up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.


In mid to late summer, Liatris ligulistylis produces tall, upright spikes of small, pink to purple flowers that bloom from the top down. The flowers are densely packed and surrounded by showy bracts, giving the spike a fluffy, cylindrical appearance. The blooms are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.


Liatris ligulistylis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It is drought tolerant once established and can tolerate a range of soil types. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and is generally pest and disease resistant.


Overall, Liatris ligulistylis is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that can add color and interest to a variety of garden styles, including wildflower and prairie gardens. It is also sometimes used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes.

Native Range:

Meadow blazing star is found across most of Minnesota with the exception of the far Northeastern portion of the state. More broadly, Meadow blazing star is found in portions of the Midwest with a range Westward to Montana, South to New Mexico. 

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 1' - 3' 

Bloom Time: August - September

Preferred Habitat: Does well in sun with average soil. Often found in prairies, meadows, roadsides, and ditches.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre.  For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.


You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.

maps used with permission from MN Wildflowers

Liatris ligulistylis Gallery

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