It’s no wonder another common name for this plant is Button Blazing Star, because “cute as a button” definitely applies to this delightful species. While there’s not much to say in the way of foliage, in late summer, this Blazing Star sends up polite flower spikes adorned with soft purple clusters of flowers that look like fluffy knit buttons. Who doesn’t want that? If the aesthetics weren’t enough, Rough Blazing Star is a tough as nails perennial that, once established, can be left to its own devices.
Conditions: Full to partial sun; medium to dry; average to poor soils
Size: 3’ tall, 1.5’-2’ wide
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bumble bees, butterflies, and hummingbird moths; seeds provide food for songbirds
Photo: Joshua Mayer