Liatris ligulistylis
Liatris ligulistylis photo Missouri Botanical Gardens

Rocky Mountain Blazing Star

With its brilliant purple spires that attract swarms of butterflies, its display may be the showiest and most flamboyant of all Liatris.  It is a top choice for butterflies, and many consider it the #1 favorite nectar plant for Monarch butterflies. Finches adore its tasty seeds. It is native to the american midwest.

  • Height: 30-90 cm (1-3 ft)
  • Spread: 30-60 cm (12-24 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-8
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: mid summer to early fall
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: rose purple
  • Nature Attraction: hummingbirds and butterflies

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Liatris ligulistylis is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It is somewhat tolerant of poor soils.  It will grow taller in fertile loams, but may need staking. It is intolerant of wet soils in winter.