Liatris is a late summer-blooming, native perennial also know by the name of blazing star and gayfeather. An old common name is colic root for its medical use by Native Americans and Europeans.

It grows in Zones 3 to 9 to a height of 1 to 5 feet. The spectacular, tall plant blooms from mid- to late summer when our gardens need a little color.

Liatris are members of the daisy family, but unlike many of this species, do not have the petals of a daisy. Instead, they produce fuzzy florets of bright purplish pink to white flowers that bloom from the top down on unbranched stems, giving them a bottlebrush look.

The slender, grass-like foliage stays attractive all summer and turns bronze in the fall. Its bright vertical spikes of blooms attract many types of pollinating insect, especially butterflies and bees. The nectar-rich flowers may attract hummingbirds while other birds love the thistle-like seeds.

Another thing to like about this plant is the deer tend to ignore them.

Liatris form a woody rootstock just below the surface of the soil, with feeder roots growing down from this structure. To propagate, divide by cutting the woody corm into pieces, with at least one growing bud or “eye.” Allow these to dry off for a couple of days, then replant in either fall or spring for best results.

Select large corms (3 inches) as these will produce the most robust flowers.

Your clumps should be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding. Raising from seed is also possible. with most species needing to germinate for a month of cold, moist treatment (stratification).

Seed planting might require patience as seeds might take a year before they bloom. Your plants will also self-seed if you don’t cut your flower stalks back in the fall.

I like to leave some of my flower stalks and seed heads uncut until spring to provide vertical winter interest and as a food source for birds. They look very pretty covered in snow!

When planting your liatris, make sure you locate it in full sun in well drained soil 12 to 15 feet apart. This spacing allows for excellent air circulation and sunlight to help minimize diseases problems. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

Their interesting form, intense color and long, sturdy stems make them a wonderful cut flower. You might also like to use them as dried flowers. Harvest the spikes when a half to two-thirds of the flowers are open. Hang them upside down to air dry in a protected spot for about three weeks. You won’t be sorry giving this versatile perennial a spot in your garden.

For more details on this stunning perennial, visit http://go.osu.edu/liatris .

Baytos is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.