Liatris pycnostachya – Prairie Blazing Star

This inhabitant of moist prairies is the tallest of the bottlebrush-type blazing stars – mass plantings can be truly spectacular. The name pycnostachya is from the Greek for “crowded” – an apt description of the densely crowded flowers which begin blooming at the top and work their way down the single stem. Makes an excellent cut flower and holds its color well when dried. Like all Blazing Stars, it’s very popular with butterflies, bees and other insects. Combine with other moisture-lovers such as Swamp Milkweed, Boltonia, Turtlehead, Joe-Pye Weed, Queen of the Prairie, Narrowleaf Sunflower, Blue Flag, and Bee Balm.