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07/29/2024

The Genus Liatris, commonly known as Blazing Star, has several species, a few of which I have seen in Ohio. The most common species is Liatris spicata or Dense Blazing Star. It is easy to spot as it stands straight up with a purple spike above the other prairie plants. It grows in clusters and can be really impressive in a large colony.

Blazing Star (Liatris)

Common Names: Blazing Star, Gayfeather

Species Recorded: Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Native Where Recorded: Yes

Date Recorded: 7/20/2024

Where: Sharon Woods Metro Park, Columbus, Ohio

Color and Shape: Purple flowers arranged around a stem on tall 3 ft spike.

Species: Liatris

Density: Small Colony

Status: Start of the bloom cycle.

More information can be found on my Resource Page for Blazing Star (Liatris).

Cultivated patch of Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Really impressive stand of Blazing Star.
Northern Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa)
Scaly Blazing Star (Liatris squarrosa)
Cylindrical Blazing Star (Liatris cylindracea)

Flower of the Hour Series

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2 responses to “Blazing Star (Liatris) – Flower of the Hour”

  1. Is this a penstemon? Sorry if that’s a stupid question.

    1. It’s not a stupid question. While the Blazing Star and the Penstemon are both tall flower spikes, their flowers are quite different. Blazing Star’s flowers are quite small, and fuzzy, whereas the Penstemon has a horn shaped flower, is larger, and is less numerous on its spike. I would also describe the flower head to be cone shaped as opposed to the bottle brush look of most Blazing Star species. BTW, a common Penstemon found in gardens is called Foxglove.

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