(Liatris spicata ‘Marsh’)

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Marsh Blazing Star is a native clump forming perennial flower that commonly grows in moist meadows and on the margins of marshes in the mid western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-5' tall and features 6-12” spear shaped spiked heads that are covered in 1” feathery purple flowers that rest on firm leafy flower stalks which protrude from a tuft of 12” green grass like narrow leaves. This plant can be grown in containers, it attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, can be used as a cut flower, is drought resistant, makes potpourri, and has medicinal uses!

  • General Information
  • Germination
  • Seedlings
  • Harvesting
  • Seed Saving
  • Medicinal
  • Companion Planting
  • Other Uses
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Family: Asteraceae 

Genus: Liatris 

Species: spicata

Variety: Marsh Blazing Star

Also Known As: Dense Blazing-Star, Florist Gayfeather, Button Snakewort

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Introduced into: Austria, France, Norway, Poland, Transcaucasus.

Grown as: Perennial
 
Maturity (Blooms): July to August

Sow Depth: Press into soil surface

Light: Full Sun

Water: Medium

Suitability: Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil

Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. The flowers of Marsh Blazing Star attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also acts as a forage for birds. 

Containers?: Yes.

Maintenance: Low

Height: 30-60”
 
Spacing: 15-24”
 
USDA Zone: 3-8

Produces: 6-12” spear shaped spiked heads that are covered in 1” feathery purple flowers that rest on firm leafy flower stalks which protrude from a tuft of 12” green grass like narrow leaves.
Direct sow seeds in late fall, pressing them into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting; keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually occurs within 3-4 weeks at temperatures of 65-70 degrees F. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
Young plants will need to be watered as they develop; because of the development of their extensive root systems, blooming usually does not occur until the second year of growth. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though they also flourish in moist soil. After three or four years, the plants may need to be divided for the best growth. This should be done after blooming, when the plant has gone dormant. These plants attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
These blooms make excellent cut flowers. Choose stalks with about one third of the flowers open, and place them in water immediately; strip the foliage that will fall below the surface of the water. For dried flowers, hang the spikes upside down in a dry, warm place for about three weeks.
When the flowers fade, they will eventually develop into a fluffy seed head. Since small birds love to eat the seed, harvest promptly to avoid loss. Cut the stems as soon as the fluff darkens slightly and can be removed. Spread the stalks out to dry away from direct sunlight. When they have completely dried, strip the fluff from the stems and clean it as well as possible. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
The leaves and root are anodyne, antibacterial, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. The plant is said to be extremely efficacious when used as a local application in the treatment of sore throats and gonorrhea. It is also used in treating kidney diseases. The leaves are harvested in the summer, the roots in the autumn. Both can be used fresh or dried.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Companion Planting

Try pairing Liatris spicata with Andropogon gerardii, Anemone canadensis, Aster novae-angliae, Aster puniceus, Echinacea purpurea, Eupatorium hyssopifolium, Helenium autumnale or Heliopsis helianthoides.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may require staking or other support.
The aromatic leaves and roots are added to potpourri. The leaves and the roots are added to various insect-repellent herbal mixtures.

Suggested Varieties

(Echinacea purpurea ‘Purple’)

Purple Coneflower is a native perennial flower that is commonly found growing in moist meadows, woods, and prairies throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features stiff stems, narrow hairy leaves, and 3-4” flower heads with drooping purplish pink petals and a spiny orange center cone. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, provides bird forage, tolerates drought and frost, has medicinal uses, is resistant to deer, and is great as a cut flower! 
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