Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

 The Scaly Blazing Star will thrive best in a place with full sun and well-draining soil with low to medium fertility.

Growth Habit/Description:

 It will grow to 1-3 ft tall, and 1-2 ft wide. It also has blue or green foliage. 

Bloom Season:

 It sprouts pink, purple, or white flowers during summer or fall blooming seasons.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  The flowers bloom in the fall 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Caterpillars of the flower moths Schinia sanguinea  and Schnia sanguinea  exclusively feed on Liatris flowers.  Caterpillars of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) and Papaipema beeriana (Blazing Star Borer Moth) bore through the stems.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   Bees use this plant for nectar collection and pollination.  Aphids and other sapsuckers drink the plant juice. 

Origin of the Name

The species name, squarrosa, means scaly or rough. the name refers to the spreading involucral bracts.

Related Plant Species

Cylindrical blazing star is the most similar species to the scaly blazing star, both are short, have the flowerheads alternate on the stalk, and both have 3 or 5 main veins in the leaves.

Use for Food/Medicine

There is no prevalent use for the scaly blazing star in food or medicine. 

McCollom , Hollyanna. How to Plant and Grow Blazing Star. Better Gardens and Homes (2023). Available at: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/blazing-star/#:~:text=Blazing%20Star%20Care%20Tips%201%20Light%20Planting%20blazing,...%206%20Potting%20and%20Repotting%20Blazing%20Star%20 . (Accessed: 8th September 2023)

Missouri Department of Conservation. Scaly blazing star (scaly gayfeather). Missouri Department of Conservation Available at: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/scaly-blazing-star-scaly-gayfeather. (Accessed: 20th September 2023) 

Last edited by Haven Herring, September 2023.