Also known as Ontario blazing star or cylindrical blazing star, this hard-to-find native perennial offers a refreshing twist on the larger hybrid liatris that have dominated the market. Soft, narrow leaves give this plant a more airy and relaxed texture, which lends grace and movement to the garden. The pretty little tufts of purple blooms are spaced widely apart, which helps it blend nicely with other plants in your native plant or pollinator garden. Blooms for several months, from mid-summer through autumn. In short, it's a lot different than other liatris, but no less effective at attracting butterflies!
Finding seeds of Liatris cylindracea is easy, but finding plants is much more unusual. Don't pass up this opportunity to add this easy-going native to your garden.
Vital details:
Plant size: 1'/0.3m tall and wide
Light: full sun (6+ hrs/day)
Hardiness: USDA zone 4-7 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator value: attracts butterflies, especially swallowtails, monarchs, and painted ladies, as well as other pollinating insects
Notable features: native, compact, deer resistant, long-blooming, drought tolerant
Pot size: one quart
Plant name: Liatris cylindracea