Liatris squarrosa is a compact blazing star known for its shaggy lavender flower heads that form along unbranched stems. Unlike other Liatris, it flowers from the base upward and features larger more widely spaced blooms. Its tough fibrous root system and resilience to heat make it well suited for rocky glades, outcrops, and dry prairies.
Height & Spread: 12 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained dry sandy or gravelly soils
Watering Needs: Low; tolerant of heat and drought
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to the southeastern and south central United States, commonly found in dry open woods and rocky prairies.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Highly attractive to Skipper species such as Sachem, Dusted Skipper, and Peck’s Skippers along with Monarchs and Fritillaries.
Bees
- Frequented by sweat bees, bumblebees, and small carpenter bees drawn to its clustered flowers for nectar and pollen.
Birds
- Seed heads provide fall forage for finches and sparrows as flowering declines.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to highlight the distinct form and maintain airflow around foliage.
Landscape Placement:
- Great for rock gardens, dry borders, and native meadow plantings where its short stature and shaggy blooms provide texture and seasonal interest.
Companion Plants
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster) - Delivers late fall color and nectar support after Liatris has gone to seed.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds fine vertical movement and warm toned fall foliage next to low growing Liatris.
- Rudbeckia hirta (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings bold yellow daisies to complement the purple of Liatris squarrosa.
- Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) - Offers upright white spikes that contrast Liatris’s compact, colorful heads.
- Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) - Provides late summer nodding blooms and fine texture beside Liatris.