Liatris pycnostachya 'Prairie Blazing Star'

Liatris pycnostachya, also known as prairie blazing star is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet. The flowers of Liatris pycnostachya are arranged in tight spikes that are densely packed with small, tubular flowers. The flowers are typically purple or pink in color and have a fluffy appearance. They are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem, with the lower flowers blooming first and the upper flowers blooming last. This creates an interesting visual effect as the spikes change in appearance as the blooming progresses. The leaves are narrow and grass-like and are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem.

It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it prefers moist, fertile soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil pH levels, but it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but it will tolerate some shade and it is drought tolerant once established. 

A unique attribute of Liatris pycnostachya is that it is a pollinator-friendly plant, it is particularly attractive to butterflies and bees, due to its large, showy spikes of purple or pink flowers. It is a great option for gardeners who are interested in creating a wildlife-friendly garden, as it provides food and habitat for a variety of pollinators. Additionally, Liatris pycnostachya is also known for its unique growth habit, it has a tall, narrow spikes of flowers that bloom from the top down, with the lower flowers blooming first and the upper flowers blooming last.  Furthermore, Liatris pycnostachya is a long-lived perennial, it can survive in a wide range of soil and light conditions and it is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.