Want to attract birds and butterflies with the same plant?

Grow Liatris.

Why It's Popular

• Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators like the nectar
• Wild birds enjoy the seeds
• Several moth larvae munch on the leaves of the plant
• Several varieties make great cut flowers

The Species

Part of the Asteraceae family, Liatris encompasses 37 species, most perennial.

Some of the best known:

Dense Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

Native to the eastern U.S. in zones 3 through 8, Liatris spicata thrives in full sun in common garden soil.

In July and August it blooms in purple, pink, or white flowers, depending on the cultivar.

Dense Blazing Star self-sows easily, and a plant can grow as large as 18" wide by 3' tall.

Common cultivars include Wiild, Floristan Weiss, Alba, and Kobold.

Prairie Blazing Star

Liatris pycnostachya

Liatris pycnostachya is native to the Midwest and Southeast.

The Prairie Blazing Star's lilac purple blooms can attract sulfurs, whites, swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Monarchs, and other butterflies. A rare moth, Schinia sanguinea, feeds on the flowers.

Its height varies from 2 to 5 feet, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.

Meadow Blazing Star

Native to the Midwest and Rockies, Liatris ligulistylus, also known as the Rocky Mountain Blazing Star, likes moist soil and grows to 2 to 5 feet in Zones 4-8.

Dotted Blazing Star

Liatris punctata

Liatris punctata is a smaller Liatris from more arid regions, growing to about 15 inches.

This particular Liatris is endangered in some states. It also may be harder to grow in a container due to its long taproot.

Three recognized varieties: var. punctata, var mexican Geiser, and var. nebraskan Gaiser.

Tall Blazing Star

Liatris aspera is native to eastern North America. It grows 1-4 feet tall, with a rougher look than other Liatris.