Liatris, Rough Blazing Star

Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)

Rough Blazing Star is a striking native perennial known for its tall, spiky clusters of purple flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for meadows, pollinator gardens, or naturalized landscapes. Loved by pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies, Rough Blazing Star adds both beauty and ecological value to your garden.

Key Characteristics

• Pollinator magnet: Rough Blazing Star is highly attractive to Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), bees, and other pollinators. Its nectar-rich flowers provide an important food source during the late summer migration period for Monarchs, as well as for bees and hummingbirds.

• Perfect for sunny, dry landscapes: This plant thrives in full sun and dry to medium soils, making it ideal for meadows, prairies, or pollinator-friendly borders. Its tall, upright flower spikes add height and texture to any garden setting.

• Supports biodiversity: Beyond pollinators, Rough Blazing Star produces seeds that provide food for birds like goldfinches and sparrows. By attracting a range of wildlife, this plant helps promote biodiversity in naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.

• Low maintenance and drought-tolerant: Rough Blazing Star is incredibly resilient, requiring minimal care once established. Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, xeriscaping, and other water-conscious landscapes.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and Eastern North America
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
• Bloom time: August to October
• Bloom color: Purple
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9

Rough Blazing Star is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to create a wildlife-friendly landscape with minimal effort. Its bold, purple spikes attract Monarch butterflies, while its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature make it an essential addition to any sunny garden.