Liatris Species Guide

We have four species of blazing star, genus Liatris, in our area. They are differentiated by flower structures and phyllaries. Phyllaries are petal-like scales beneath the petals on the flowers. Flowers form from the top of the stem downward.

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​Liatris spicata - dense blazing-star. First to flower, with spikes of stemless flowers. Phyllaries are blunt-pointed. 5 to 9 flowers per head.

​Liatris squarrosa - scaly blazing-star. Flowers are on short stems; phyllaries are strongly pointed and recurved. 20 to 40 flowers per head.

​Liatris aspera - rough-blazing star. Flowers have short stems; phyllaries are broadly rounded and folded under at the tip. 25 to 40 flowers per head.

Liatris squarrulosa - southern blazing-star. Exhibits obvious flower stalks; rounded, spreading upper phyllaries; and 14 to 24 individual flowers per head.