Marsh Blazingstar (Liatris spicata)
Liatris spicata, commonly known as Marsh Blazingstar, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, marshes, wet meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun, making it ideal for rain gardens, pollinator plantings, and moist native landscapes.
This showy plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features narrow, grass-like leaves and unbranched spikes densely packed with fluffy, lavender-purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom in mid to late summer. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Liatris spicata is a vibrant and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and ornamental beds. It provides long-lasting color, supports a wide range of beneficial insects, and pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving natives such as Swamp Milkweed, Blue Vervain, and Joe-Pye Weed. Its tall, upright form and striking blooms also make it a favorite for cut flower gardens.
Liatris spicata, commonly known as Marsh Blazingstar, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, marshes, wet meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun, making it ideal for rain gardens, pollinator plantings, and moist native landscapes.
This showy plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features narrow, grass-like leaves and unbranched spikes densely packed with fluffy, lavender-purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom in mid to late summer. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Liatris spicata is a vibrant and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and ornamental beds. It provides long-lasting color, supports a wide range of beneficial insects, and pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving natives such as Swamp Milkweed, Blue Vervain, and Joe-Pye Weed. Its tall, upright form and striking blooms also make it a favorite for cut flower gardens.
Liatris spicata, commonly known as Marsh Blazingstar, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, marshes, wet meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun, making it ideal for rain gardens, pollinator plantings, and moist native landscapes.
This showy plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features narrow, grass-like leaves and unbranched spikes densely packed with fluffy, lavender-purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom in mid to late summer. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies (especially monarchs), and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Liatris spicata is a vibrant and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and ornamental beds. It provides long-lasting color, supports a wide range of beneficial insects, and pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving natives such as Swamp Milkweed, Blue Vervain, and Joe-Pye Weed. Its tall, upright form and striking blooms also make it a favorite for cut flower gardens.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: areas along railroads; calcareous seeps; edges of marshes and bogs; grassy fens; moist alkaline sandflats; moist black soil prairies; moist sand prairies; prairie swales
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: sandy loam (gravelly loam and loam are tolerated)