Blazingstar, Northern - Liatris scariosa

Liatris scariosa, also known as Northern Blazingstar or Devil's Bite, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan that provides a spash of color to highlight your garden or enliven your meadow. It has a brilliant pink to purple loose flower cluster that starts at the tip of the flower stalk in August and cascades color downward through September.
 
A favorite nectar source for bees and butterflies, Nothern Blazingstar grows around 2 feet tall in the wild, but can get up to 5 feet if cultivated. It prefers full sun and well-drained medium sandy loam, but tolerates partial shade and very sandy soil, even in jack pine barrens. It naturalizes well in meadows, and when the flowers finally stop, watch the birds feast on its abundant seed. Attractive to butterflies, especially Monarchs and skippers, as well as hummingbirds.
 
Pairs well with Goldenrods, especially Early, Hairy, Showy, and Gray Goldenrod. Also looks great with Early Sunflower. For multi-level habitat (matrix planting), plant Priarie Dropseed  or Little Bluestem in between blazingstars to fill ground space without mulch.