Blazing star- Shortleaf (Liatris tenuifolia) (Florida Native)

Liatris tenuifolia

A beautiful Florida native perennial flower, also known as Shortleaf Gayfeather, this plant provides some wonderful texture to any garden. Shortleaf blazingstar is at home in sandy scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and dry flatwoods. It grows from corns under the ground, making it extremely drought tolerant. The plant can go dormant in winter, but in late winter/early spring will begin to emerge with a basal cluster of what almost look like a grass or pine needles. In late summer the plant will shoot up a stalk up to 4ft tall having a long cluster of flower buds that will open in fall., The small bright flowers can range from bright purple to lavender, and will give your garden bursts of color. This plant is known for attracting a variety of pollinators with its dense clusters of flowers.  Shortleaf Blazing star is a perennial that prefers a dry environment.