Liatris cylindrica

Liatris cylindrica: Blazing Spire of the Prairie

Liatris cylindrica, also known as cylindrical blazing star, adds vertical rhythm and subtle texture to dry, sunny plantings. Its upright flower spikes are packed with fluffy, bottlebrush-like blooms ranging from rosy lavender to soft purple, opening from top to bottom in mid to late summer—a unique trait among Liatris species. Narrow, grass-like foliage forms a dense clump at the base, providing a tidy appearance even out of bloom. Highly attractive to butterflies and pollinators, it thrives in lean soils and offers reliable performance in xeric and prairie-style gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Rosy lavender to soft purple
• Flowering Period: July to August
• Foliage: Narrow, green, grass-like leaves in basal tufts
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; tolerates drought and poor fertility

Uses and Benefits: Excellent for naturalized borders, prairie plantings, dry slopes, and pollinator gardens. Its vertical structure provides architectural contrast, and the blooms are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Drought tolerant and low maintenance once established, it’s well-suited to waterwise landscapes and restoration work.

Companion Plants: Pair with Echinacea pallida, Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation', and Allium 'Millenium' for a vibrant, wildlife-friendly prairie composition rich in texture and mid-summer colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharp drainage. Avoid rich or wet soils, particularly in winter. Little to no fertilizing is needed. Leave seedheads standing into fall and winter for added structure and wildlife interest. Divide every few years in spring if clumps become congested.

History: Native to eastern and central North America, Liatris cylindrica is adapted to dry prairies, glades, and rocky outcrops. It is valued for its distinctive flowering habit and its role in supporting native pollinator populations.

Final Thoughts: With its elegant, fuzzy spires and tidy clumping habit, Liatris cylindrica brings native beauty and seasonal drama to sunny, low-input landscapes. A steadfast favourite for pollinator habitat and bold, vertical impact.