Wild Flowers and Plants of NC

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

This is the varient Liatris spicata var. spicata, a rare wild plant found principally in the southern Appalachians. Another variety Liatris spicata var. resinosa is similar but grows in the coastal plain region in moist pine barrens and savannahs. Cultivated varieties are garden favorites.

I have only seen this plant along the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Craggy Gardens at the 5000 ft. elevation. It flowers from August to September.

NC Range of Blazing Star