Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

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Photo:

Pat Kolling

Blazing Star

Gayfeather

Latin Name:

Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violet'

A tall border perennial with spike-like blooms atop leafy, grass-like foliage.

Taxon ID#

53 MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

3 Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Water Preference:

L

Soil Preference:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Somewhat tolerant of poor soils, but prefers moist, fertile ones. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.

Fertilizer Needs:

Recommended Mulch:

Family:

Asteraceae

Origins:

Plant Type:

Herbaceous Plant, Perennial

Native to eastern US

Oregon native:

no

Western state native:

no

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Description:

Basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12" long).

Fragrant:

no

Predominant flower color:

Purple

Flower Description:

Features terminal spikes (6-12" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks.

Fall color:

no

Fall Color Description:

Winter Foliage:

Deciduous

Winter Interest:

no

Winter Interest Description:

Mature height:

1-3'

Mature spread:

8-15"

Growth rate:

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

yes

Fire Resistant:

no

Attracts Pollinators:

yes

Attracts Butterflies:

yes

Native Habitat:

Clump-forming perennial which is native to moist low grounds, meadows and marsh margins.

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

yes

Photo:

Pat Kolling

Used by Wildlife:

no

Hedge/Screen:

no

Swales:

yes

Wildlife Use:

Border:

yes

Erosion Control:

no

Windbreak:

no

Cover Structures:

no

Ground Cover:

no

Provides Shade:

no

Rock Garden:

no

Adds Texture/Movement:

no

First Bloom:

Jul

Last Bloom:

Sep

Ornamental Accent:

yes

Garden Observations:

SEASONAL CARE

Spring Care:

Summer Care:

May need to stake

Fall Care:

Winter Care:

Long Term Care:

Insect Pests:

No serious insect problems.

Wildlife Pests:

Diseases:

No serious insect or disease problems.

Environmental Problems:

Landscape Problems:

Taller plants may require staking or other support.

Care Comments:

RESOURCES

OSU Landscape Profile:

USDA Plants:

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LISP

Calscape Database:

LBJ Native Plant Database:

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LISP

Missouri Botanical Garden Database:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d780

Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

Photo:

Pat Kolling

Blazing Star

Gayfeather

​

Latin Name:

Taxon ID#

53

MAINTENANCE

Medium

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

3

Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Water Preference:

L

Soil Preference:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Somewhat tolerant of poor soils, but prefers moist, fertile ones. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.

Fertilizer Needs:

​

Recommended Mulch:

​

Family:

Origins:

Plant Type:

Herbaceous Plant, Perennial

Native to eastern US

Oregon native:

no

Western state native:

no

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Description:

Basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12" long).

Fragrant:

no

Predominant flower color:

Purple

Flower Description:

Features terminal spikes (6-12" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks.

Fall color:

no

Fall Color Description:

​

Winter Foliage:

Deciduous

Winter Interest:

no

Winter Interest Description:

​

Mature height:

1-3'

Mature spread:

8-15"

Growth rate:

​

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

yes

Fire Resistant:

no

Attracts Pollinators:

yes

Attracts Butterflies:

yes

Native Habitat:

Clump-forming perennial which is native to moist low grounds, meadows and marsh margins.

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

yes

Photo:

Pat Kolling

Used by Wildlife:

no

Hedge/Screen:

no