Prairie Blazing Star Seed (Liatris pycnostachya)

Thickspike Gayfeather, also known as Prairie Blazingstar, is a striking native perennial found throughout the tallgrass prairie region. Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, it produces dense spikes of rose-purple, thistle-like blooms from mid-summer into early fall. The flowers are a magnet for birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies, including the rare Glorious Flower Moth (Schinia gloriosa). This hardy species thrives in full sun and dry to moderately moist soils, tolerating drought, heat, and poor soil conditions. Commonly used in prairie restorations, landscaping, roadside plantings, and wildlife habitats, it also makes an excellent cut flower. During establishment, control weed competition by mowing above the plant height or using appropriate herbicides. Seeds can have dormancy; plant in late fall or cold stratify for 30–60 days before spring seeding.

Height: 24–48 inches
Color: Rose-Purple
Hardiness Zone: 3–10
Bloom Period: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
Sun: Full Sun
Moisture: Dry to Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial
Seeds per Pound: 131,000
Seeding Rate: 1 oz. covers 2,000 sq. ft. | 13 lbs. per acre