Liatris cylindracea aka Few Head Blazingstar

Liatris cylindracea is a perennial in the aster family, Asteraceae. Its common names include slender blazing star and cylindrical blazing star. It grows wild in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its range also reaches the north-central United States. Missouri Botanical Garden places it from Minnesota east to Ontario and western New York. From there, its range extends south to Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. In Missouri, it grows in prairies, glades, and rocky sites.

This small plant forms clumps with an upright shape. It reaches about 2 feet (0.61 m) tall. Its spread is about 1 foot (0.3 m). Erect flower stems carry leaves along their length. The narrow leaves look like grass blades. They reach about 0.83 feet (0.25 m) long near the base. Leaves get smaller toward the top of each stem. This small size suits places where taller plants would crowd the space.

The flower heads have a soft, fluffy look and rose-purple color. Each head reaches about 0.1 feet (0.03 m) long. A stem may bear one head or a few. Pointed bracts wrap each head in a long, tight cylinder. These bracts help give the plant its distinct flower shape. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering in summer. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a longer window, from July through October. The blooms draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Both gardens also list birds among its wildlife visitors.

Grow this species in full sun and soil that drains well. It prefers dry sand or rocky soil with an alkaline pH. It also grows in average soil with dry to medium moisture. It can cope with poor soil and shallow, rocky ground. Drought, summer heat, and humid weather do not trouble it. Wet soil in winter is a poor fit. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 2–7. Plants can start from seed, but they take time to establish.

Its modest height makes it useful in rock gardens and borders. Groups also suit native plant gardens, cottage gardens, and prairie plantings. The flowers add color while drawing wildlife into these spaces. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its upkeep as low. It reports no major insect or disease problems for this species.