Prairie Blazing Star - Liatris pycnostachya
 
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Liatris pycnostachya, commonly known as Prairie Blazing Star, is an iconic prairie flower with a spectacular spike of tightly bunched lavender flowers. The tufted purple flowers begin blooming at the top in July, working their way down the stem as they unfurl through August and September. A significant source for native pollinators, this Liatris grows well in both moist soils and in clay, though good plant growth requires full sun and adequate moisture. It is the larval host plant of the rare Glorious Flower Moth, and occurs naturally in prairies, open woods, meadows, and along railroad tracks and roadways. The tallest of Liatris species in cultivation, it is distinguished from other Liatris species by its reflexed, long-tipped rosette bracts, or modified leaves.
 
Photo: Prairie Nursery