Description
Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera), also known as Button Blazing Star, is a wildflower with upright flower spikes covered in lavender blooms from June through October. The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and specialist moths such as the Glorious Flower Moth and Three-lined Flower Moth.
Rough Blazing Star grows up to 3 feet tall and has narrow, rough-textured basal leaves and slightly zigzagging stems. The species name aspera means “rough,” referring to the texture of the plant. It grows best in full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soils, including rocky and sandy sites. Avoid poorly drained or soggy locations, especially during winter months.
Once established, Rough Blazing Star is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance. Its compact size and preference for dry soils make it a good choice for dry prairies, rock gardens, and sunny native plantings.
Rough Blazing Star is one of several popular Liatris species available for different site conditions and is a particularly good choice when you need a shorter Liatris for dry, well-drained sites. Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) is very valuable for Monarchs and generally grows taller, while Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) reaches 3–5 feet and prefers more moisture. Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is another taller species suited to moist soils, while Savanna Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii) is a 2–3 foot species that prefers dry to medium soils.
