Blazing Star: A Prairie Native with Pollinator Benefits
Brenda Ortmann, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
If you’re looking for a gorgeous native plant that benefits gardeners and pollinators alike, you should try blazing star. I planted my first blazing star four years ago, and I have enthusiastically added more each year. Also known as liatris, blazing star is an aesthetic standout in any garden and plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems.
A native to North America, blazing star has tall, spiky flower stalks adorned in pink, purple or white blooms. It thrives in full-sun prairies, meadows, and woodland edges. Blazing star is adaptable to many soil types, and once established, it is low maintenance and drought tolerant. Blazing star is also relatively deer resistant. Many deer come through our yard, and so far, these are one of the few plants that have remained nibble-free.
Blazing star offers a rich source of nectar and pollen from mid-summer until fall. The unique flower structure makes it an attractive plant for bees, butterflies, and moths. Monarchs especially love the dense clusters of nectar-filled flowers. Plant blazing star in groups of five or more for a stunning visual display and to make it easier for pollinators to find. The tall stalks and grass-like foliage also offer a safe space for insects and other small creatures to hide. Blazing star pairs beautifully with many other sun-loving native plants such as bee balm, black-eyed Susan, butterfly milkweed, coneflower, coreopsis, daylily, great blue lobelia, penstemon, and yarrow. The possible plant combinations are almost unlimited.
Our state is home to five types of native blazing stars, which are easily identified by their bracts. Among native varieties, the prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya) is probably what comes to mind as the gold standard of blazing stars. It has thick spikes of purple flowers and thrives in moist prairies and fields. A more unique species is rough blazing star (Liatris aspera), which stands out with its tall, spiky flower clusters and rough-textured leaves. The dotted blazing star (Liatris punctata) has more flowy, delicate flower heads. I have two hybrid liatris in my yard, but I recently added native blazing star to my pollinator gardens since they are more beneficial to the ecosystem.
Native plants provide superior ecological benefits because they are well adapted to the local climate and conditions. Once established, there is virtually no need for watering, fertilizing, or pesticides. Blazing stars, and native plants in general, play a huge role in supporting local biodiversity. Attracting pollinators to the garden also ensures the pollination of other plants in the area and contributes to the overall health and resilience of the environment.
Blazing star is a versatile and beneficial native plant that will return year after year, enhancing your garden with wonderful structure and beauty while also providing essential support to pollinators. I highly recommend blazing star to all gardeners!
For more information about growing native blazing stars, visit: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/