Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Gayfeather Blazing Star typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 2 to 4 feet tall.
•Phenology: Perennial herb with tall spikes of purple or pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Mid to late summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of various soil types
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Tolerant of drought once established; prefers moderately moist soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, as a cut flower
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming period; may benefit from dividing clumps every few years to rejuvenate plant vigor
•Considerations: Gayfeather Blazing Star is highly attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies, and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Gayfeather Blazing Star is valued as an ornamental plant and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for coughs and colds.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Gayfeather Blazing Star is often found growing alongside other native plants in various habitats, including species such as Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for insects, birds, and other wildlife.