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The dense blazing star is tall, with clusters of purple flowers growing in long spikes. The perennial does well in most parts of the country and can survive Canadian winters. The dense blazing star is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators.

The blazing star (Liatris spicata) or gayfeather is a wildflower common in areas of Northern California with Sunset's Climate Zones 14 through 24. It grows naturally in areas where pine trees thrive, with well-irrigated soil and direct sunlight. Some varieties are known to populate the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States where Sunset's Climate Zones 4 to 9 are prevalent, but other versions of the plant are found in almost every climate throughout the lower 48. Miracle merchant.

Growth

The blazing star is a perennial flowering herb that grows to a height between 24 and 60 inches. It is a member of the sunflower family that begins to bloom in midsummer. Blooming may take place in stages with new flowers and offshoots forming throughout the process, which lasts until early fall. After the blooms have gone, seeds are released until the winter begins.

Appearance

The various blazing star species all share certain characteristics. Long tapering leaves that are curly and range in size from 3 inches to 1 foot are common to the blazing star. The largest leaves are located at the bottom of the plant and they shrink in size as you move upward. The leaves are only 1 inch in diameter at their widest and they mirror the spiked shape of the blazing star flower stems. Tall stems jut upward from the plant, along which several flowers open in a row from top to bottom. The flowers vary in color from pink to purple to yellow.

Cultivation and Popularity

The blazing star became very popular among European flower breeders and gardeners during the late 20th century. They were blended with other species to maximum attractiveness and hardiness, then distributed around Europe and the United States to private gardeners. In Europe, the blazing star is commonly used as a floral bouquet element and as flower garden material in the U.S. The blazing star has a built-in underground cistern of sorts that stores water for drier times. This corm soaks up and holds excess water during the wet season to be accessed when needed during the dry season. This advancement along with its tolerance for strong sun and dry soil make it a resilient addition to the garden.

Uses

The blazing star is a favorite target for bees and other pollinating insects. The blazing star had several medicinal uses among the native peoples of North America. The roots were ground and used as a pain reliever for headache, arthritis and earaches by the Cheyenne. The Cheyenne also treated communicable diseases like measles, mumps, smallpox and the average fever with blazing star root. The small feathered nuts or seeds of the blazing star were shelled and slow cooked as a foodstuff by the Paiute tribe, and the Montana Indians used the leaves as a treatment for upset stomach and an antiseptic wash.

About the Author

Robert Morello has an extensive travel, marketing and business background. Hot wheels world race mark wylde song. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in 2002 and has worked in travel as a guide, corporate senior marketing and product manager and travel consultant/expert. Morello is a professional writer and adjunct professor of travel and tourism.

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