Plant of the Week: Meadow Blazing Star

Protein shakes for butterflies, that is what this powerhouse of a plant is. Commonly known as Meadow Blazing Star, Liatris ligulistylis is a 3'-5' purple corndog (almost) or dragon tail - depending on your imagination - shaped plant. It has a beautiful mix of purple and pink flowers that occupy over half of the plant. If you choose to plant this wonderful specimen, here are some quick facts you should know. This Liatris is somewhat tolerant of dry soils, but is best planted in areas that have consistently "medium" soil moisture and fertility. It is able to tolerate the summer heat and humidity, but avoid planting it in soils that stay wet in the winter. Reaching heights of 5', it may be wise to stake these plants so they stay upright and an easy target for Monarchs, pollinators, and birds.

Monarchs prepare for their long migration south which takes place in September just as Meadow Blazing Star is blooming in August. The fuel provided by this plant is extremely important for the Monarch. This is a synchronization that has been evolving for hundreds of years and shows how much plants and pollinators need and influence each other. 

So, if you spot this plant somewhere or decide to plant it, enjoy its presence! For it is a special and unique organism on our planet. 

This individual is blooming in the concrete planters outside the Madison Municipal Building.

Written by explorer, engineer, inventor

Francisco Rodriguez