Blazing star
(Liatris)

Blazing star is a striking plant of the summer prairie. Three species of blazing star are known to Wolf Road Prairie and are found blooming within a rich matrix of related herbaceous plants.
photo by Todd Bannor


A member of the composite family, the colorful thistle-like blossoms of blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya) grow in crowded spikes. Blooming from the top down, flower heads are densely clustered on stems supporting linear grasslike leaves.
video photo by Cynthia Gehrie


Blooming in July and August, blazing star (Liatris spicata) is one of the most photographed flowers of the prairie. Another common name for blazing star is gayfeather.
photo by Tim Burke


More compact in its blossoming appearance, rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) does not reach the heights of its spiked companions. Also known as button blazing star, the rose-purple flowerheads are a stunning complement to the summer prairie.
photo by Todd Bannor