Liatris squarrosa aka Scaly Blazing Star

Taxonomy

Liatris squarrosa, also known as the scaly blazingstar, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to eastern and central North America, with the majority of populations found in the Southeastern United States. This somewhat conservative species is commonly found in dry or rocky areas of native prairie and savanna vegetation, as well as upland woodlands. It grows from corms and can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet. The plant has small linear leaves and produces spikey purple flowerheads that bloom from late summer into the fall. It attracts a variety of pollinators such as hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies. Liatris squarrosa is divided into distinct varieties which are sometimes treated as separate species. These include Liatris squarrosa var. glabrata, which has hairless stems and is found in the Great Plains, and Liatris squarrosa var. squarrosa, which has pubescent stems and is found in the eastern United States.

Common names

Scaly Blazing Star

How to care for Scaly Blazing Star

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Scaly Blazing Star, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Scaly Blazing Star should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Scaly Blazing Star loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Scaly Blazing Star thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Scaly Blazing Star.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Scaly Blazing Star plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Scaly Blazing Star has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Scaly Blazing Star displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Scaly Blazing Star’s native range is Eastern N. America - Ontario to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, South Dakota and Texas.


More info:
Wikipedia