Northern Blazing Star
Liatris scariosa
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.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
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'
- Bloom
- Blooms August through September; dried seed stalks hold through winter and attract goldfinches
- USDA zones
- 3-8
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside northern blazing star.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.