Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)

A lavender flower with a butterfly.

NPS/Gordon Dietzman

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Introduction

This plant grows best in mesic to dry conditions and grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet. It has spectacular flowers, which start blooming at the top of the flowering stalk and then progresses downward.

There are several species of Liatris in Minnesota, all of which are spectacular. Rough blazing star is often used in prairie restorations where its flowers attract many pollinators as well as human admirers.

Blooms: July through the beginning of September.

Find It

Coldwater Spring
Hastings Riverflat Park
Cenaiko Lake (East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park)

Want to Help Us Better Understand the Park?

See our iNaturalist project, "The Life of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area" and contribute to it by downloading the iNaturalist app and uploading your sightings of this species, and others, to the project. You can also upload your sightings from your computer.

Last updated: March 5, 2018

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Phone:

651-293-0200
This is the general phone line at the Mississippi River Visitor Center.

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