Scientific Name
Liatris spicata
Common Name
Blazing Stars, Gay Feather, Snakeroot
LIATRIS
spicata (Pink, blue and white flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Liatris spicata flowers in summer (July/August) for 3-4 weeks and plants are 2-4 feet tall depending on the selection.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: North America
2. Common names: Blazing Stars, Gay Feather, Snakeroot
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated Corm
4. Hardiness type: Hardy III - Injured at temperatures below 5 degrees F (-15C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by seed and cormlets and requires a warm (50 to 60F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, and fresh cut flowers.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 8/10, 10/12, 12/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 2-4 inches apart, 10-20 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of corm.
4. Planting time: Fall or spring.
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 3 to 4 with mulch, 5 to 9 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Plant in an area that retains moisture year-round.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbascum, Buddleia, Hibiscus syriacus, Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia.

L. 'Kobold'

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.