Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) is perhaps the tallest Liatrisspecies in cultivation, typically growing 2-4 feet tall. It is an upright, clump-forming, perennial which commonly occurs in prairies, open woods, meadows and along railroad tracks and roads. Features rounded, fluffy, deep rose-purple flower heads (each to ¾ inch across) which are crowded into terminal spikes (to 20 inches long) atop thickly-leafed, rigid flower stalks. Stalks arise from basal tufts of narrow, lance-shaped leaves (to 12 inches long). Flowers generally open top to bottom on the spikes. Blooms in summer with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers (resembling blazing stars" and no rays.
Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows near woodlands or rivers, limestone glades, rocky bluffs, and areas along railroads.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Sometimes treated as a biennial. Established plants can tolerate some drought, but seedlings and transplants are vulnerable. The soil should consist of a rich loam or clay loam, and can contain rocky material. There is a tendency for the lower leaves to turn yellow and wither away if conditions become too dry. During the first year, this plant may develop slowly and prove temperamental, but once established it is easy to maintain. This blazing star remains reasonably erect, even when spoiled in a flower garden, but may bend around oddly if there is significant obstruction of sunlight.