Liatris ligulistylis

Native to western central portions of Canada and the US, this pollinator magnet flowers from July to September and, perhaps most notably, provides fuel for Monarch butterflies for their long migration. Liatris ligulistylis also serves as a feeding station for goldfinches in fall. Gardeners appreciate the tall, slightly airy flower spikes with fluffy, rosy purple blossoms that open from crimson buds. Plants prefer dry, sandy or rocky soil with good drainage. While usually topping out at 2-3’ in the wild, this species, when cultivated (especially in fertile, loamy soil), may grow taller and require staking.

The genus Liatris, native to North America, includes about 40 species all beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their fluffy, somewhat star-like or feathery blossoms (from which the common names Blazing Star and Gayfeather derive) open from top to bottom on tall flower spikes which stand above basal clusters of attractive, linear foliage. Liatris make fantastic accent plants in summer-blooming borders and beds (appearing to best advantage when planted in groups), and they are central to any pollinator garden. The flower stalks are superb for cutting and drying, as well. Plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Depending on the species, they may tolerate moist or dry conditions. As members of the Aster family, Liatris are unusual in that their individual blossoms comprise only disc flowers, not a combination of disc and ray flowers characteristic of the composite blooms in this family (as seen in the common Daisy).