Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)

• Scientific Name: Liatris aspera
• Common Name: Rough Blazing Star
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Water: Low to medium water needs; drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; tolerates dry and nutrient-poor conditions
• Height: 2-4 feet
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
• Lifespan: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Upright, clumping wildflower

Additional Information: Rough Blazing Star is a tall, showy wildflower known for its vibrant purple-pink flower clusters that bloom along an unbranched, upright stem. Unlike other Liatris species, its flowers are more loosely spaced, giving it a distinctive appearance in prairie plantings. It thrives in dry prairies, open fields, and rocky habitats, where it tolerates poor soils and drought conditions. This late-season bloomer provides an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its fluffy seed heads attract birds in the fall. With its bold color, vertical structure, and resilience, Rough Blazing Star is a standout addition to native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.