Description
Savanna Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii), also known as Northern Blazing Star, Eastern Blazing Star, or Nieuwland’s Blazing Star, is a resilient native perennial with tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers. Blooming from late summer into early fall, the thistle-like flower heads bring bold vertical color to prairies, meadows, and naturalized gardens when many other plants are beginning to fade.
Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, Savanna Blazing Star thrives in full sun and prefers medium to dry soils, especially sandy or rocky sites. It is highly drought tolerant and handles heat and humidity well once established. The flower spikes can extend up to 18 inches along the upper portion of the stem, with individual blooms opening from the top downward. In rich or moist soils, plants may grow taller and can benefit from staking.
The nectar-rich flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with Monarch butterflies making particular use of the late-season nectar. Its showy blooms also make excellent cut flowers.
Savanna Blazing Star is a great choice for pollinator gardens, dry prairies, rocky landscapes, and other sunny native plantings. It does not spread aggressively, but deer and rabbits may browse the foliage and stems.
The Liatris species offer a variety of options for different growing conditions. Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) is a shorter, drought-tolerant choice for dry soils, while Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) grows taller and is especially valuable to Monarchs. Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) reaches 3 to 5 feet and handles more moisture, while Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is another moisture-loving species with tall, dense purple flower spikes.
