Common Name: Prairie Blazing Star

Scientific Name: Liatris pycnostachya

Family: Asteraceae

Habitat: Meadows

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Summer

Height: Up to 5 feet

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well drained

Pollinators: Butterflies, Birds

Description: Prairie Blazing Star, which is also known as “Cattail Blazing Star,” is a native wildflower that can be identified by its small, purple flowers which resemble the Cattail plant. Prairie Blazing Star can grow up to 5 feet tall in full sun and moist to dry well-drained soil. Prairie Blazing Star blooms between mid and late summer and attracts many pollinators including hummingbirds and butterflies! This photo of Prairie Blazing Star was taken in the Woodland Garden at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.