Shaggy Blazing Star

Liatris pilosa

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Liatris
Species:
Liatris pilosa
USDA Symbol:
LIPI7

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from corm after fire; benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Light may enhance germination. Sow seeds on surface or barely cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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

Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification for optimal germination.

Source: Claude AI