Tall Blazing Star
Liatris aspera
Last reviewed: June 2026
Liatris aspera (Tall Blazing Star) is a native prairie wildflower blooming purple from June through August across the Great Plains and eastern United States. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 22 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tall Blazing Star produces dramatic spikes of purple flowers that bloom from top to bottom in summer. This drought-tolerant native perennial forms neat clumps with grass-like foliage and striking vertical flower stems. It goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth emerges.
Growing Tall Blazing Star
Grow Tall Blazing Star in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tall 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.
Wildlife value
The long-blooming purple flowers are magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout summer. Seeds provide food for birds in fall.
Common questions
- When does Tall Blazing Star bloom?
- Liatris aspera blooms from June through August, producing distinctive purple flower spikes that open from top to bottom.
- What pollinators visit Tall Blazing Star?
- Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other nectar-seeking insects are attracted to the purple flowers of Liatris aspera.
- Where is Tall Blazing Star native?
- This species is native to 26 states across the Great Plains, Midwest, and southeastern United States, from Texas and Florida north to North Dakota and Michigan.
- What growing conditions does Tall Blazing Star prefer?
- Liatris aspera thrives in full sun with low to moderate water needs, making it well-suited for prairie gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Tall Blazing Star HOA-friendly?
- Tall Blazing Star is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Tall Blazing Star fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.