Dotted Blazing Star - Liatris punctata
Liatris punctata, commonly known as dotted gayfeather or dotted blazingstar, is a perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its vibrant, tufted spikes of purple flowers that bloom from August to September. The plant typically reaches heights of 14 to 28 inches and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that add fine texture to garden compositions. Its deep taproot system not only contributes to its drought tolerance but also supports its longevity, with some specimens living over 35 years. In garden or prairie settings, Liatris punctata serves as an excellent choice for drifts or matrix plantings, providing consistent color and texture throughout the growing season. Its adaptability to various soil types and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to xeric perennial borders and pollinator gardens.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: August to September
Height: 1 to 2.5 feet
Wetland Status: Facultative Upland (FACU)
Known Lepidopteran Associations: Liatris punctata is a host plant for the hemiparasitic wholeleaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra). Its nectar is favored by lepidopterans, such as the rare butterfly Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus montana), which is known to occur wherever the plant does.
Liatris punctata, commonly known as dotted gayfeather or dotted blazingstar, is a perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its vibrant, tufted spikes of purple flowers that bloom from August to September. The plant typically reaches heights of 14 to 28 inches and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that add fine texture to garden compositions. Its deep taproot system not only contributes to its drought tolerance but also supports its longevity, with some specimens living over 35 years. In garden or prairie settings, Liatris punctata serves as an excellent choice for drifts or matrix plantings, providing consistent color and texture throughout the growing season. Its adaptability to various soil types and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to xeric perennial borders and pollinator gardens.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: August to September
Height: 1 to 2.5 feet
Wetland Status: Facultative Upland (FACU)
Known Lepidopteran Associations: Liatris punctata is a host plant for the hemiparasitic wholeleaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra). Its nectar is favored by lepidopterans, such as the rare butterfly Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus montana), which is known to occur wherever the plant does.
Liatris punctata, commonly known as dotted gayfeather or dotted blazingstar, is a perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its vibrant, tufted spikes of purple flowers that bloom from August to September. The plant typically reaches heights of 14 to 28 inches and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that add fine texture to garden compositions. Its deep taproot system not only contributes to its drought tolerance but also supports its longevity, with some specimens living over 35 years. In garden or prairie settings, Liatris punctata serves as an excellent choice for drifts or matrix plantings, providing consistent color and texture throughout the growing season. Its adaptability to various soil types and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to xeric perennial borders and pollinator gardens.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: August to September
Height: 1 to 2.5 feet
Wetland Status: Facultative Upland (FACU)
Known Lepidopteran Associations: Liatris punctata is a host plant for the hemiparasitic wholeleaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra). Its nectar is favored by lepidopterans, such as the rare butterfly Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus montana), which is known to occur wherever the plant does.
