Liatris spicata
Marsh Blazing Star
General
A showy, flowering perennial wildflower with dense purple wildflowers blooming in July. Prefers average to well drained moist soils in full sun. Most commonly found in moist meadows, on low ground and marsh edges. Good for attracting pollinators.
Plant Description
Growing up to 4' tall. Unbranching, with alternate lance-shaped leaves along the central stem. At the end of the stem, a long, spike inflorescence with dense purple flower clusters, blooming first at the top and then down as the blooming season continues. The flowers are bright purple and quite eye catching.
Height (ft)
2-4'
Soil moisture
Medium to Moist, Well Drained
Soil types
Sandy Loam
Wetland indicator
FAC+
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Purple
Bloom period
July
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Spans a wide range, primarily across the eastern and central regions. Specifically, Liatris spicata can be found from the eastern seaboard westward to the Great Plains and into parts of the Midwest and southeastern United States.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Cherokee used this species in many different ways for medicinal uses. Some include creating a tincture for backaches and limb pains, as a diaphoretic, diuretic, gastrointestinal and kidney aid.