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Slender Blazing Star

Liatris gracilis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Slender Blazing Star (Liatris gracilis)
Photo: (c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Horn

Toxicity unknown

Slender Blazing Star (Liatris gracilis) 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"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 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 area

Slender blazing star is a native perennial that produces tall spikes of purple flowers from summer into fall. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows in neat clumps and attracts numerous pollinators during its long blooming period.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender 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.

  • Goes dormant in winter leaving bare ground

Wildlife value

The purple flower spikes are excellent for bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the summer and fall blooming season.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Blazing Star need?
Slender Blazing Star grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender Blazing Star bloom?
Slender Blazing Star blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Slender Blazing Star native?
Slender Blazing Star (Liatris gracilis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Slender Blazing Star attract?
Slender Blazing Star draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Slender Blazing Star HOA-friendly?
Slender Blazing Star is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Slender 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