Appalachian Blazing Star
Liatris squarrulosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Appalachian Blazing Star (Liatris squarrulosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Appalachian Blazing Star as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, GA, IL, IN and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Appalachian blazing star produces tall spikes of purple flowers from summer through early fall, creating vertical interest in the garden. This native perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Appalachian Blazing Star is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look sparse in winter when dormant
Wildlife value
The purple flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the long blooming season. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting native pollinators during late summer months.
Common questions
- How much sun does Appalachian Blazing Star need?
- Appalachian Blazing Star grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Appalachian Blazing Star bloom?
- Appalachian Blazing Star blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Appalachian Blazing Star native?
- Appalachian Blazing Star (Liatris squarrulosa) is native to AL, GA, IL, IN and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Appalachian Blazing Star toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Appalachian Blazing Star as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Appalachian Blazing Star attract?
- Appalachian Blazing Star draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Appalachian Blazing Star HOA-friendly?
- Appalachian Blazing Star is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Appalachian Blazing Star? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz