Photographer: John A. Lynch

Prairie Blazing Star is characterized by dense purple blossoms on 3-5 foot-tall spikes. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies. It is easy to grow in average or even poor garden soil, but prefers full sun and good drainage. It is very drought tolerant. Prairie Blazing Star is a very showy plant, and is equally beautiful when planted in large sweeps as it is as a specimen plant in a formal garden setting. The flower is excellent in both fresh cut and dried flower arrangements

Bloom time: Late July through early September