Liatris squarrosa (Scaly blazingstar) Seed Packet

Approximately 50 seeds per packet
Collected & Packaged: 2025
Germination code: C60

Please refer to our germination codes and growing information for recommendations and tips.

Seed treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 60 days of cold moist stratification to break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or winter, with germination occurring in the spring. If seed is untreated by February, we recommend artificially moist stratifying in a fridge.

Seeds of this species will germinate better if the seeds have some exposure to light, but should also germinate if covered or buried thinly. If surface sown, press the seed lightly into the soil. Water lightly with a light spray or mist to keep the soil moist. Be careful when watering before germination occurs to not bury or dislodge the seeds.

(Optional) Sprinkling a thin layer of sterile sand or vermiculite overtop the soil and sown seeds usually won't negatively impact germination, and may help to maintain soil moisture and deter mold.

Liatris squarrosa (Scaly blazingstar) Seed Packet

$5.00

Quantity

Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming, non-rhizomatous, showy spikes
Size: Typically 1 to 2.5 feet tall; 0.5 to 1 foot wide
Flowering time: June to August
Bloom color: Bright reddish-purple to magenta
Habitat: Dry prairies, rocky glades, open woods, roadsides, savannas
Moisture: Dry to average; well-drained
Light: Full sun
Soils: Sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils; tolerates nutrient-poor, thin soils
Uses: Rock gardens, dry prairies, pollinator plantings, native borders, drought-tolerant landscaping

Liatris squarrosa, commonly called scaly blazingstar, is a compact, drought-tolerant member of Liatris, a group with summer-blooming vibrant magenta-purple flower heads. It occurs in dry prairies and glades, forest edges, and along steep inclines. Unlike taller Liatris species with long columnar spikes of flowers, the scaly blazingstar produces clusters blooms along the upper stem, giving it a distinctive and bushy look.

This species thrives in sunny, dry, and rocky conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeric gardens, steep and rocky hillsides, and naturalized plantings in difficult to grow areas. This species grows from an underground corm that needs well draining soil, and will succumb to root rot if in moisture for too long. Plants prefer full sun, but can grow and flower in part sun as well.

Scaly blazingstar is highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, skippers, and moths, serving as an important nectar source during midsummer. It is particularly favored by swallowtail, fritillary butterflies, hummingbird moths, and the occasional hummingbird.

Because of its resilience to drought and lean soils, it is well-suited to prairie restorations, steep inclines, dry meadow plantings, and sunny rock gardens, where it provides both beauty and wildlife value.
Seeds sold by WBN as packets are harvested and cleaned from plants grown in our Virginia nursery and wildflower garden. These plants are grown from seed sourced from wild populations. We document the county locality of ecotypes, with Virginia ecotypes often being sourced within 100 miles of Richmond, VA. Some plants that provide our seed stock are sourced from local growers of Virginia (and neighboring state) provenance native species.

Because our seed is harvested, cleaned, and carefully selected by hand, packets may contain trace amounts of chaff and inert plant material such as dried petals, small leaves or bits of stem, and fibers or fluff still attached. This material is harmless to seeds and won't impact germination. We guarantee each packet contains at least the number of seeds listed, usually more.
All sales of plants and seeds are final.

WBN will never knowingly sell plants or seeds that do not reach or exceed our high standards. We want to help you produce strong and healthy plants that will thrive in your garden and support native insects and wildlife. Some species do have lower germination rates or are difficult to propagate by seed, and we will make that known if that is our experience or the experience of others.

Generally it is recommended to sow seeds within 1-3 years of collection. Some seeds can remain viable for decades, especially with proper storage. In most cases, native seeds should be stored indoors in paper or glassine bags or paper envelopes in places with low to average humidity, in room temperature or colder, with limited sun exposure.

Because we collect and prepare seeds by hand, some packets may include chaff and other inert plant material like dried petals. This poses no risk to seed germination, viability or storage. We also carefully account for this additional material when preparing our seeds to ensure each packet includes at least the number of seeds indicated.

Got questions? Ask us! We are aways happy to provide advice on germinating, growing, or planting any species.
Seeds (regardless of quantity) are shipped in a padded biodegradable mailer to protect seeds during shipping. All packets come with a printed booklet of our seed germination codes and growing tips.

Once your order ships, we will provide a tracking number to the email provided at the time of order. Orders are shipped to the mailing address provided at checkout. Please ensure your mailing information is correct at time of order.

We will usually pack seed orders within 12 - 24 hours of receipt and ship within 1 - 3 business days. Items generally arrive within 5 days of shipment.

If you believe that any items are missing from your order, please email us ASAP. Any missing items will be sent free of charge.

Free local pickup of seed orders is possible. Please email us and we can arrange for pick-up.

Liatris squarrosa (Scaly blazingstar) Seed Packet

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