Ontario Blazing Star

Liatris cylindracea

Native to:
Canada, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Liatris
Species:
Liatris cylindracea
USDA Symbol:
LICY

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from corm after fire; fire removes competing vegetation and benefits persistence in prairie habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Light aids germination. Surface sow or barely cover seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society