Button Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) – A Hardy Prairie Wildflower
Button Blazing Star is a tall, drought-tolerant native wildflower known for its dense, tufted purple flower heads that resemble small buttons. Unlike other Liatris species, it has widely spaced flowers along its stem, creating a more delicate and airy appearance. It is an important nectar source for pollinators and thrives in prairies, meadows, and dry uplands.
Flowers: Small, rounded purple flower heads resembling buttons, arranged along a tall, slender stem. Flowers are widely spaced instead of forming a tight spike like other Blazing Star species. Blooms from late summer to early fall, attracting many pollinators.
Height: Grows 2 to 5 feet tall, with a single, unbranched stem.
Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves, arranged alternately along the stem. Lower leaves are longer and grass-like, while upper leaves become shorter near the flowers.
Stem & Growth Habit: Erect, unbranched stem with rough or slightly hairy texture. Forms clumps in dry prairies but does not spread aggressively.
Habitat & Range: Native to central and eastern North America. Prefers dry prairies, meadows, roadsides, and upland slopes. Grows best in full sun and well-drained sandy or rocky soil.
Pollinators & Wildlife: A major nectar source for monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds in the fall. Deer-resistant due to its coarse texture.
Unique Among Blazing Stars: Unlike Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), which has a compact, spike-like bloom, Button Blazing Star has widely spaced flower clusters along the stem.
Late-Season Pollinator Magnet: One of the last flowers to bloom in the prairie, providing food for pollinators into the fall.
Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Thrives in poor, dry soils and does not require fertilization. Deep taproot allows it to survive in hot, dry conditions.
Growing Button Blazing Star
Best for prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and xeriscaping. Thrives in full sun and does well in dry, sandy, or rocky soils. Slow to establish but long-lived once mature. Highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
