Liatris spicata 'Dense Blazing Star'

Liatris spicata, also known as dense blazing star is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet, and has spikes of tightly packed, purple or lavender flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, and are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem. The plant prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It is similar to Liatris pycnostachya in terms of growth habit and care, they both have a tall, narrow spikes of flowers that bloom from the top down and are fluffy in appearance. The flowers are also similar, they are small, tubular, and typically purple or lavender in color, and are very attractive to pollinators.

Liatris spicata is a great pollinator-friendly plant that is particularly attractive to butterflies and bees due to its large, showy spikes of purple or lavender flowers. Liatris spicata is also a popular cut flower. Its long-lasting spikes of colorful flowers make a great addition to floral arrangements.

Photo attributions:

Photos 1 & 2: Drew Avery, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons