How much sun does Scaly blazing star need?

Scaly blazing star grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scaly blazing star bloom?

Scaly blazing star blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Scaly blazing star native?

Scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Scaly blazing star attract?

Scaly blazing star draws butterflies, bumble bees, and skippers.

Scaly blazing star

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Liatris squarrosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) is a perennial forb native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw butterflies, bumble bees, and skippers.

Toxicity unknown

Scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bumble bees, skippers

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Southern Coastal Plain

A slender perennial with grass-like leaves and a single upright spike topped with large, rounded, tufted purple flower heads that open from the top down rather than the base up. Grows in dry, rocky prairie and glade openings.

Growing Scaly blazing star

Grow Scaly blazing star in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The showy flower heads are a strong nectar draw for butterflies and bumble bees, and the seed heads feed goldfinches and other seed-eating birds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Scaly blazing star need?: Scaly blazing star grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scaly blazing star bloom?: Scaly blazing star blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Scaly blazing star native?: Scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Scaly blazing star attract?: Scaly blazing star draws butterflies, bumble bees, and skippers.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Scaly blazing star? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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