Liatris spicata is a native prairie wildflower. The tall spikes of purple flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies , and the ripening seeds attract birds. It's a host plant for Painted Lady and Silvery Checkerspot butterfly larvae.
Liatris spicata is equally at home in wildflower gardens or formal borders. It blooms in midsummer, making it a great companion plant for echinacea , gaillardia , rudbeckia and ornamental grasses .
Start liatris seeds indoors in winter. Barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for 8 weeks. Full sun to part shade.