Liatris aspera, commonly known as rough blazing star, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae, or aster family. Native to central and eastern North America, it is typically found in prairies and open woodlands. L. aspera grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, forming clumps of slender, unbranched stems topped with flower spikes. The leaves are narrow and rough-textured, arranged alternately along the stems with a deep green color that contrasts with the vibrant flowers. In late summer to early fall, L. aspera produces dense, cylindrical spikes of bright purple to lavender flowers that bloom from the top down. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and provide a critical nectar source for migrating monarchs. After blooming, the plant produces small, seed-like fruits with fluffy tufts that aid in wind dispersal. Liatris aspera thrives in full sun and prefers dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant gardens. The plant also thrives in poor fertility making it a great low maintenance ornamental addition to flower meadows and native plant gardens. USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Liatris aspera seeds benefit from cold stratification to improve germination rates. To prepare the seeds, place them in a ziplock bag with a slightly moist, sterile substrate such as sand, perlite, or peat moss. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 months to simulate winter conditions and break dormancy. After stratification, sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix, pressing them lightly into the soil but leaving them uncovered, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Optimal germination temperatures are between 65-75°F. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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