Northern Blazing Star
Liatris scariosa
Fewer but bolder purple-pink buttons on upright late-summer spikes. Weeks of monarch and bee traffic, then goldfinches on the winter stalks.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
Large, spaced flower heads on tall spikes that monarchs and swallowtails pile onto in late summer.
Northern blazing star is distinguished from its relatives by its larger, more scattered flower heads on upright spikes: fewer but bolder, each button of purple-pink larger and showier than the tighter species. The spikes open from the top down in late summer, drawing monarchs, swallowtails, and native bees in a sustained feeding frenzy that can last weeks. The dried stalks stand through winter, casting thin shadows and holding goldfinches. It naturalizes well in dry open areas, meadows, and rocky clearings. More tolerant of dappled shade and drier, sandier soils than some other Liatris species. Plant it where you want a late-summer vertical accent that earns its space with serious wildlife value.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown northern blazing star propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- August–September
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern North America from New England and southern Ontario south to Georgia and Mississippi, primarily in dry open woods and rocky clearings
Care notes for northern blazing star.
Full sun in dry to average, well-drained soil. Tolerates sandy, rocky, and lean conditions. Excellent in gravel mulched areas. Cut back in spring or leave stalks for bird habitat. Drought tolerant once established; overwatering in rich soil leads to floppy plants.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside northern blazing star.
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