Savanna Blazing Star

Liatris novae-angliae

Savanna Blazing Star may also be known as Northern Blazing Star or Eastern Blazing Star and also under botanical name Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii. It produces tall stems with purple flowers, which form as separate, thistle-like clusters. These alternate up the spike. Flowers bloom from the top of the plant toward the bottom. They attract a wide variety of pollinators, but they especially draw in bumblebees and Monarch butterflies. They prefer drier soil conditions and are drought tolerant. This is a rare plant and may only be found in small populations in sandplain grassland habitats.