Northern Blazing Star is native from Maine to Wisconsin and south to Alabama. It prefers medium to dry soils, especially with a sandy or rocky component. It can grow between 3' - 4’ tall; taller in moister soils. The purple flowers are thistle-like and are typically about 1” across. The flowers grow in columned bunches that can extend up to 18” of the overall plant stem. Flowers bloom from the top of the plant toward the bottom, so may fall over unless tied to a stake. These flowers attract many bees and butterflies, especially bumblebees and Monarch butterflies. This Blazing Star is commonly browsed on by deer and rabbits.
Liatris scariosa is also sometimes known as Savanna Blazing Star, Eastern Blazing Star, or Nieuwland's Blazing Star.
