Scrub Blazing Star

Each fall, the Scrub Blazing Star (Liatris tenuifolia) puts on a lovely show in the sandhill area of the Backwoods Nature Preserve. This native wildflower is a great draw for autumn butterflies and other pollinators, with its tiny fuzzy flowers along arching stalks.

Liatris is a genus of about 50 species, all found in North America. They're part of the aster family (Asteraceae), and are perennials that survive the winter months as corms (similar to bulbs). The fuzzy flowers have also given it the common name "Gayfeather." Liatris is closely related to garberia (Garberia heterophylla), a shrub that's endemic to Florida.

Liatris spicata is probably the most popular Blazing Star for gardeners, grown extensively as part of butterfly gardens. However, this species is primarily found in zones 3 - 8, and doesn't tolerate the heat and humidity of Florida. Instead, our native species like L. tenuifolia thrive in the sandy soil and baking sun.

Scrub Blazing Star is not a particularly tidy plant, with tall narrow stalks that grow to about 2 feet in height, but it has a place in a native wildflower or butterfly garden. It needs very well-drained sandy soil to thrive. It's often available from native plant nurseries, especially in late summer and fall when it begins to bloom.