Scaly Blazing Star (Liatris squarrosa)

Scaly blazing star begins blooming in July with purplish-blue flowers opening from the top of the stem and progressing down with the season.  It prefers full sun and dry, rocky, sandy soil.  It's common name comes from the scaly bracts below the flowers. After it blooms, the hairy leaves and remaining seed structures will continue to attract attention well into the winter. Scaly blazing star is an indication of a high quality natural area.

Uses: Bees, butterflies, rock gardens
Bloom time:  July to August

Height:  12 to 30 inches
Space:  12 to 18 inches

Sun:  Full sun to light shade
Moisture:  Dry to average