Liatris spicata var. resinosa (Bog Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star, Dense Button Snakeroot) - 3 Photos - Liatris/spicata/Asteraceae - Plant Profile

Attributes

Southeastern U.S.A.

Its flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Larval forms of Schinia sanguinea (Liatris Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seeds, and the larval form of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) eat the stems. Goldfinches eat the seeds with relish.

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Bulb

Recommended Propagation Strategy:

Seed

Division

Fire Risk Rating:

medium flammability

Fruit

Fruit Description:

Cypselae (a type of achene) with stiff light brown bristles in fall.

Fruit Type:

Achene

Fruit Color:

Brown/Copper

Display/Harvest Time:

Fall

Fruit Length:

< 1 inch

Fruit Width:

< 1 inch

Flowers

Flower Description:

Differing from the main species, the flowers are more loosely spaced across the stem, still blooming from the top down. There are only 5-6 disk florets per flower and the bracts are purple instead of green. Highly variable in flower density and number.

Flower Color:

Pink

Purple/Lavender

White

Flower Inflorescence:

Spike

Flower Value To Gardener:

Good Cut

Showy

Good Dried

Summer

6 petals/rays

Tubular

< 1 inch

Leaves

Leaf Description:

The basal clump of alternate, narrow deep green leaves with a strong central vein are up to 12 inches long and 1/3 inch wide. Leaves grow smaller as they ascend the flower stalk. They are glabrous to sparsely hairy. Margins are entire.

Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

Deciduous

Green

Simple

Whorled

Linear