Rough Blazing Star, Liatris aspera

Rough blazing star is one of five different species of liatris that is native to Minnesota, along with meadow blazing star, prairie blazing star, dotted blazing star, and cylindric blazing star. Of the five, it tends to be found on sites that are dry, but not as dry as the sites that dotted blazing star inhabits. It is a very attractive plant with many beneficial faunal associations.

One of my personal favorite characteristics of Liatris aspera is the way the sepals look just prior to the flowers bursting forth (see gallery photos). They have an almost waxy appearance as the sepals hold the flower bud tight. It also goes by the apt common name button blazing star because of the appearance it gives off.

Life Cycle: Perennial
Size: 3 feet
Sun: Full, Partial
Soil: Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time: July, August, September, October
Advantages: