Liatris aspera - Rough Blazing Star

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 3-8, 24-36" x 12", full to part sun, numerous purple, fuzzy flowers bloom along a sturdy stem from top down late summer into fall, medium to dry soils, not picky as to soil type, but needs it well-draining. Drought tolerant once established. No winter wet for this one.

Common names: Rough Blazing Star, Button Blazing Star, Gay Feather, Tall Blazing Star, Button Snakeroot

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: general parameters - southern Ontario to New York, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Dakota, and east Texas

Habitat: dryish prairies, savanna, grassland, thin woods, openings in high light shade, glades, meadows, railroad embankments, roadsides

More: This is a late-bloomer and a long-bloomer (still going strong as I write this on October 12th). Great pollen and nectar source for the back end of the season, attracting Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulphers, etc. as well as bumblebees, carpenter bees, miner bees, and leaf cutter bees. Goldfinches enjoy the seeds. Good cut flower, even in bud, and it also drys well. The root has been used medicinally. Deer resistant.

Source: Landscape plugs from New Moon Nursery

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; also Wikimedia Commons; Honey Petal Plants (budding up)