•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.
•Phenology: Savanna Blazing Star is a perennial herb with slender, erect stems and narrow, grass-like leaves. It produces dense spikes of purple or pinkish-purple flowers in late summer to fall.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Savanna Blazing Star typically blooms from late summer to fall, with peak flowering occurring in late summer.
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Savanna Blazing Star prefers moist to moderately dry soil, but can tolerate periods of drought once established.
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Suitable for naturalistic landscapes, wildflower gardens, and pollinator gardens. Provides nectar for pollinators and adds vertical interest to the landscape.
•Maintenance Tips: Savanna Blazing Star is relatively low-maintenance and requires little pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding.
•Considerations: Savanna Blazing Star can self-seed readily in favorable conditions. Consider planting in areas where naturalization is desired or be prepared to manage self-seeding if necessary.
•Edible: Savanna Blazing Star is not commonly consumed as a food source.
•Medicinal Uses: Savanna Blazing Star has limited documented medicinal uses, but some Native American tribes used certain species of Liatris for various medicinal purposes.
•Toxicity to Pets: Savanna Blazing Star is not known to be toxic to pets.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Savanna Blazing Star pairs well with other native wildflowers and grasses, such as purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
•Wildlife Benefit: Savanna Blazing Star flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The foliage provides cover and habitat for small insects and other wildlife.
