Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
Liatris spicata var. spicata, commonly known as Spiked Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a wild-type native perennial found throughout the eastern United States, thriving in prairies, wet meadows, and open woodland edges. It forms tall, upright spikes lined with dense rosy-purple flower heads that bloom from the top down, drawing in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds during midsummer.
This species provides strong vertical structure in the garden, with narrow grassy foliage at the base and striking flower wands rising above. As a true native, it offers excellent ecological value and naturalizes well in restoration work, pollinator gardens, and meadow plantings.
Seeds can be more challenging to germinate compared to common ornamentals. Spiked Blazing Star often requires cold stratification and consistent moisture to break dormancy, and germination may be naturally slow or variable. Once established, however, it is a long-lived, drought-tolerant perennial that delivers dependable color, wildlife support, and a distinctive prairie aesthetic year after year.
PLANTING (HOW TO SOW AND PLANT) - GAYFEATHER (SPIKED BLAZING STAR) (Liatris spicata var. spicata)
Gayfeather is a hardy perennial wildflower that prefers a simple start: light, well-drained soil, full sun, and patience. The key with Liatris spicata var. spicata is that seed often germinates best after a cold period, so you either sow outdoors for natural winter chilling or you cold-stratify the seed before indoor starting. This section covers seed starting, sowing, and transplanting only.
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PLANTING GOAL (SET THE PLANT UP FOR SUCCESS)
Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Wet feet cause most early failures.
Use cold exposure to trigger strong germination, either outdoors over winter or in the fridge before sowing indoors.
Do not bury seed deeply. Light coverage is enough, deep planting can reduce germination.
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WHEN TO PLANT (TIMING RULE)
Best easy method
Sow outdoors in late fall through winter so seed gets natural cold stratification.
Spring option
Sow very early spring outdoors as soon as soil can be worked, but expect slower, less even germination unless the seed has had cold exposure.
Indoor option
Start indoors after cold stratifying seed, then transplant after hard frost risk has passed.
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DIRECT SOWING (OUTDOOR, LOW EFFORT AND VERY RELIABLE)
Site prep
Choose full sun with good drainage.
Clear weeds and loosen the top 1 to 2 inches of soil.
Rake smooth so small seed has good soil contact.
Seed depth
Surface sow or cover very lightly, about 1/8 inch at most.
How to sow
Scatter thinly, then press seed into the soil.
Water gently so seed is not washed away.
Spacing
Thin or transplant seedlings to about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Rows (if using rows) can be about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Moisture
Keep the surface consistently damp until germination, then shift to deeper, less frequent watering as roots establish.
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WINTER SOWING METHOD (GREAT FOR EVEN GERMINATION)
Sow seed in late winter in a protected outdoor container setup (like vented jugs) or a prepared bed.
Cold and moisture do the stratification work for you.
Transplant seedlings out once they have several true leaves and outdoor weather is stable.
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STARTING SEEDS INDOORS (IF YOU WANT CONTROL OR A HEAD START)
This plant often benefits from cold stratification before indoor sowing.
Cold stratification
Place seed in a barely damp paper towel or moist medium in a sealed bag.
Refrigerate about 30 to 60 days.
Containers
Use cell trays or small pots with a well-draining seed-start mix.
Sowing depth
Surface sow and press in, or cover very lightly.
Light
Give strong light immediately. Do not bury deeply, light helps.
Temperature
Cool to moderate indoor temps work well once stratification is complete.
Watering
Keep evenly moist, not soggy. Good airflow helps prevent damping off.
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HARDENING OFF (DO NOT SKIP)
7 to 10 days before transplanting, gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor sun and wind.
Start with a couple hours of sun, then increase daily.
Protect from hard freezes and strong wind early on.
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TRANSPLANTING (HOW TO DO IT WITHOUT STALLING)
When to transplant
Transplant once seedlings have several true leaves and a stable root plug.
Set out after the risk of hard frost has passed.
Planting depth
Plant at the same depth they were growing in the tray.
Spacing
Set plants 12 to 18 inches apart for strong airflow and upright stems.
Watering in
Water deeply after transplanting.
Keep moisture steady for the first 1 to 2 weeks while roots grab.
====================
EARLY SEASON PROTECTION (BIG PAYOFF)
Weed control matters most early. Young blazing star hates competition.
A light mulch can help, but keep mulch from smothering tiny seedlings.
In wet sites, improve drainage or use a raised bed. Crown rot is the common killer.
No germination
Often missing the cold period or seed is buried too deep.
Try cold stratification and surface sowing.
Seedlings collapse at soil line
Often damping off from too much moisture and low airflow.
Reduce watering, increase airflow, use clean mix.
Seedlings are tall and weak
Light is too low.
Move under stronger light and keep temps a bit cooler.
Seedlings disappear outdoors
Usually slugs or cutworms.
Check at dusk, use traps, and protect small starts until they size up.
HOW TO GROW - GAYFEATHER (SPIKED BLAZING STAR) (Liatris spicata var. spicata)
Gayfeather is a tough native perennial that thrives in sun and well-drained soil, then pays you back with tall purple bloom spikes that light up the summer garden and feed pollinators. The goal is simple: establish strong roots the first season, avoid soggy soil, then let the plant build bigger clumps and stronger flowering stems each year.
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SITE AND SUNLIGHT
Full sun is best for sturdy stems and heavy flowering.
Light shade is tolerated, but plants may stretch and bloom less.
Choose a spot with good airflow so foliage dries quickly after rain.
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SOIL HEALTH AND BED PREP
Ideal soil: well-drained loam or sandy loam.
It can handle average soil, but it dislikes heavy, wet clay that stays saturated.
If soil is heavy, amend with compost and consider planting on a slight berm or in a raised bed for drainage.
Keep fertility moderate. Too much nitrogen can cause floppy growth and fewer blooms.
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WHEN TO PLANT
Sow outdoors in fall or very early spring for natural cold stratification.
If planting in spring, cold stratify seed first for best germination.
Perennial rhythm note
Many plants focus on roots the first year and bloom stronger in year two.
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GERMINATION AND TEMPERATURE
Cold stratification helps.
Chill seeds 30 to 60 days in a moist medium in the refrigerator.
After chilling, sow and keep evenly moist.
Best germination temperatures are generally in the cool to mild range, about 55 to 70 °F.
Expect sprouts in roughly 14 to 28 days depending on seed age and conditions.
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SEEDING AND SPACING
Direct sow
Sow shallow. Press seed into the surface and cover lightly, about 1/8 inch.
Light helps some perennial seeds germinate, so do not bury deeply.
Keep the surface consistently moist until sprouts appear.
Spacing
Thin or transplant to about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Leave room for airflow, especially in humid regions.
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WATERING AND MOISTURE RHYTHM
During establishment (first season)
Water consistently until plants are rooted in, then taper.
Q: What is Gayfeather (Spiked Blazing Star)?
A: Gayfeather, also called Spiked Blazing Star, is a native perennial wildflower, Liatris spicata var. spicata, known for tall purple flower spikes that bloom from the top down and pull in pollinators.
Q: Is Spiked Blazing Star native to the United States?
A: Yes. Liatris spicata var. spicata is native to eastern North America, including the Eastern Woodlands region.
Q: Is it an annual or a perennial?
A: Perennial. It returns each year from an underground corm and can form larger clumps over time.
Q: When does it bloom?
A: Typically summer into early fall, depending on your region and planting time.
Q: How tall does it get?
A: Commonly about 24 to 48 inches tall in bloom, sometimes taller in rich soil with steady moisture.
Q: Does it need full sun or can it handle shade?
A: Full sun is best for strong stems and the best flowering, but it can tolerate light shade with fewer blooms.
Q: What kind of soil does it prefer?
A: It likes well-drained soil and does best in loamy or sandy loam conditions. It can handle average garden soil as long as it is not staying waterlogged.
Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Once established, it handles short dry spells well, but it blooms best with moderate, steady moisture.
Q: How do I germinate Gayfeather seeds?
A: Many growers get best results with cold stratification. Chill seed in a moist medium in the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 days, then sow and keep evenly moist until sprouts appear.
Q: How long does it take to flower from seed?
A: Often it flowers the second year, but with an early start and good growing conditions some plants can bloom the first season.
Q: Is Gayfeather good for pollinators?
A: Yes. It is a strong nectar plant for bees and butterflies, and it is especially well known as a monarch and general butterfly magnet.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: It is often considered deer resistant, but “deer resistant” is never deer proof. Heavy pressure can still lead to browsing.
Q: Is it good as a cut flower?
A: Yes. The spikes make excellent cut flowers and also dry well. Harvest when the top portion of the spike is opening and the rest is still in bud for the longest vase life.
HISTORY AND CULTURE - GAYFEATHER (SPIKED BLAZING STAR) (Liatris spicata var. spicata)
Spiked Blazing Star is a native wildflower of eastern North America that has long been valued for the way it turns open ground into a living beacon for pollinators. Its tall, bottlebrush flower spikes, usually in rich purple tones, stand above grasslike foliage and bloom in mid to late summer when many other natives are between flushes. That timing makes it culturally and ecologically important in meadow plantings, prairie-style gardens, and restoration work, because it supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during a high-demand season.
As a species, Liatris spicata belongs to the Aster family and reflects the broader story of North American grassland and open-woodland plants that evolved alongside fire, grazing, and wide skies. Those pressures shaped a plant that can handle heat, periodic dryness, and competition, then return reliably from a perennial root system. In many regions, blazing star is part of the visual identity of late summer fields, the kind of flower people remember from roadsides, old pastures, and sunny clearings.
In gardens today, Gayfeather carries that same heritage forward. It is both ornamental and purposeful, bringing strong vertical structure, long bloom time, and real habitat value. It bridges the line between beauty and function, offering a “native bouquet” look while quietly doing the deeper work of feeding pollinators and strengthening the seasonal rhythm of a planted landscape.
Gayfeather is insect-pollinated and will set seed readily, but keeping seed high-quality means selecting the best plants, understanding how much crossing might happen, and harvesting only when seed is fully mature and dry. This guide focuses on practical home-scale saving that still keeps the strain strong.
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PICKING PLANTS TO SAVE FROM
Goal: Save seed only from plants that show the traits you want to keep.
Choose plants that are
Vigorous, upright, and sturdy through the season
Producing strong flower spikes with good color and density
Blooming at the timing you prefer (early, mid, or later within your patch)
Free of obvious disease, heavy pest damage, or chronic lodging (flopping)
Handling drought or rain without collapsing (good garden toughness)
Avoid saving seed from
Weak, stunted, or constantly floppy plants
Plants with poor flowering (thin spikes, sparse blooms)
Plants showing leaf spotting that keeps spreading, rot at the crown, or persistent decline
Plants that set very little viable seed
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2. KEEPING THE VARIETY TRUE (ISOLATION AND POLLINATION CONTROL)
Important: Liatris spicata var. spicata is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. If other Liatris types are blooming nearby, crossing can be possible. If you only have one type of Liatris flowering in the area, seed will be more consistent.
It can potentially cross with
Other Liatris plants that bloom nearby at the same time (especially other Liatris spicata selections)
If you want the most consistent seed, grow only one Liatris type flowering at a time in your seed area.
If you have multiple Liatris types blooming close together, assume some crossing is possible.
OPTION B: BAGGING A FEW BLOOMS (BEST CONTROL WITHOUT HAND-POLLINATING)
Select several strong spikes you want as seed parents.
Before peak bloom, cover the top portion of the spike with a breathable pollination bag.
You can briefly remove bags to allow controlled visits (one patch), then re-bag.
Tag each saved spike so you harvest the right seed later.
How many seed heads to keep
For strong genetics, aim to save from at least 10 to 20 plants if possible.
If you are saving small-scale, at least 5 good plants is a solid minimum.
====================
3. LETTING SEED FULLY MATURE
For best seed quality
Let flower spikes finish blooming and begin to dry on the plant.
Seed is ready only after the heads are dry and you see fluffy tufts forming (like tiny thistles) and seeds release easily.
Do not rush harvest. Immature seed looks formed but won’t germinate well.
Weather note
If heavy rain or storms are coming and heads are nearly dry, you can cut and finish drying indoors to prevent mold and seed loss.
====================
4. HARVESTING THE SEEDS
Cut mature, dry seed spikes into a paper bag or bucket.
Work on a dry day if possible, after morning dew has dried.
Strip or crumble the seed heads into a clean container.
Keep only fully formed seed that separates cleanly from the chaff.
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5. CLEANING THE SEEDS
Gayfeather seed often comes mixed with fluff and light chaff.
Basic dry cleaning method
Rub heads gently between your hands to free seed.
Use a coarse screen to remove big pieces of stem and debris.
Winnow by pouring seed and chaff between two containers in a light breeze or in front of a fan on low.
Go slowly. The goal is to remove fluff and keep the heavier seed.
Final check
Good seed is usually darker and heavier than the fluff.
If everything is flying away, reduce airflow and keep winnowing in short passes.
====================
6. DRYING THE SEEDS (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)
Spread cleaned seed in a thin layer on a screen, paper, or tray.
Dry in a warm, dry room with strong airflow out of direct sun.
Stir or shuffle daily so it dries evenly.
Drying time
Usually 7 to 14 days depending on humidity.
How to tell they are fully dry
Seeds feel hard and crisp, not soft or bendy.
No cool, damp feel in the seed pile.
If you seal a small sample in a jar overnight and see fogging, they need more drying.
====================
7. STORING AND LABELING
Label includes
Gayfeather or Spiked Blazing Star
Liatris spicata var. spicata
Year harvested
Any notes (best color, tallest spikes, drought tough, early bloomers, etc.)
Best containers
Paper envelope for breathing, stored inside a jar for protection
Or a jar with a desiccant packet if your space is humid
Best conditions
Cool, dark, and dry
Avoid heat swings and sunlight
Typical viability
Often 2 to 4 years in average storage
Longer if kept very dry and cool
====================
8. QUICK VIABILITY TEST
Place 10 to 20 seeds on a damp paper towel.
Fold, place in a plastic bag or sealed container, and keep at room temperature.
Check daily for sprouting.
Note: Some Liatris seed germinates best after a cold period. If you see low germination, repeat the test after cold stratifying the seed 30 to 60 days.
Interpreting results
High sprout rate: great seed
Moderate sprout rate: usable, sow thicker
Low sprout rate: try cold stratification, or replace and save from better plants next season
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EXTRA TIPS FOR BETTER SEED
Save from plants that stood tall and bloomed hard without flopping, those are the keepers.
If you want a more uniform patch, save only from the top-performing spikes and rogue out weak plants before they shed pollen.
Keep your seed crop weeded, crowded plants make weaker stems and lower-quality seed.
If you want to maintain genetic strength long-term, save seed from a broad group of healthy plants, not just one “perfect” spike.
USES AND BENEFITS - GAYFEATHER (SPIKED BLAZING STAR) (Liatris spicata var. spicata)
Gayfeather is a rare kind of native perennial that earns its space twice: it looks bold in the garden with upright purple spikes, and it feeds pollinators hard when many summer flowers are fading. The benefits here are practical, garden-focused, and habitat-focused, with general ecology notes only, no medical claims.
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PRIMARY USES
POLLINATOR PLANT (HABITAT WORKHORSE)
Dense flower spikes provide reliable nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Strong late-season bloom window supports pollinators when gaps often appear in the garden.
Excellent for pollinator borders, meadow strips, and native plantings.
CUT FLOWER (FRESH AND DRIED)
Tall, straight spikes make dramatic bouquet stems.
Blooms well for cutting when harvested as the lower florets begin opening.
Also dries well for long-lasting arrangements.
ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE
Vertical form adds contrast against mounding plants and grasses.
Works in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and prairie-style plantings.
Adds high-impact color without needing rich soil or heavy feeding.
====================
GARDEN BENEFITS
STRUCTURE BENEFIT
The upright spikes act like living “exclamation points” in a planting.
Great for breaking up low, mounded plant shapes and adding height without shrubs.
COLOR BENEFIT
Purple flower spikes read rich and vivid from a distance.
Pairs well with gold, white, and pink blooms for strong seasonal contrast.
LOW-FUSS PERENNIAL VALUE
Once established, it is generally drought-tolerant and not a constant babying plant.
Returns year after year from its corm, building presence over time.
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HOUSEHOLD AND GARDEN BENEFITS
SUPPORTS BENEFICIAL INSECTS
More pollinator activity supports fruiting crops and overall garden resilience.
Encourages a healthier garden ecosystem when planted in clusters.
MULTI-USE HARVEST
Fresh bouquets, dried stems, and pollinator support from one planting.
Seed can be saved for expanding patches or sharing within your own garden planning.
SEASONAL VALUE
Excellent late-summer to early-fall interest when many gardens start to dip.
Brings life and movement to the garden during peak insect season.
====================
GENERAL ECOLOGY NOTES (NO MEDICAL CLAIMS)
As a native North American wildflower, Liatris spicata var. spicata is widely valued in habitat-style gardens for supporting pollinators and increasing plant diversity. Exact wildlife use varies by region, planting density, and surrounding habitat. This is ecological support, not a treatment.
====================
WAYS TO ENJOY (DETAILED IDEAS)
POLLINATOR BORDER (BEST ALL-AROUND METHOD)
Plant in drifts or clusters so pollinators can find it easily.
Use it as a backbone plant through summer into fall.
MEADOW AND PRAIRIE PLANTINGS
Mix with native grasses for natural structure and wind movement.
Works well in sunny, open spaces with good drainage.
CUT FLOWERS (FRESH)
Cut when the lower portion of the spike is starting to open.
Strip lower leaves, place in clean water, and recut stems for longer vase life.
DRIED FLOWERS
Harvest spikes when most florets are open but before heavy seed fluffing.
Hang upside down in a dry, airy place for clean drying and better color hold.
SEED COLLECTION FOR EXPANDING PATCHES
Let selected spikes fully dry and collect seed when it releases easily.
Store dry and labeled for future sowing.
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GARDEN PAIRINGS
STRUCTURE AND MOVEMENT PAIRINGS
Warm-season native grasses and other upright perennials that do not smother the crown.
Plants that bloom earlier so gayfeather carries the late-season baton.
COLOR PAIRINGS
Yellow and gold bloomers for high contrast.
White flowers for a clean, sharp look.
Pink and magenta blooms for a rich, saturated palette.
====================
WHO THIS PLANT IS PERFECT FOR
Gardeners building pollinator habitat in full sun.
Growers who want a strong late-season bloom without constant watering.
Cut flower growers who want a vertical spike for bouquets and drying.
Anyone who wants native beauty that looks wild, but still reads intentional and designed.
Shipped from U.S.A.
Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
Gayfeather Seeds - Liatris spicata var. spicata - Spiked Blazing Star
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
Liatris spicata var. spicata, commonly known as Spiked Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a wild-type native perennial found throughout the eastern United States, thriving in prairies, wet meadows, and open woodland edges. It forms tall, upright spikes lined with dense rosy-purple flower heads that bloom from the top down, drawing in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds during midsummer.
This species provides strong vertical structure in the garden, with narrow grassy foliage at the base and striking flower wands rising above. As a true native, it offers excellent ecological value and naturalizes well in restoration work, pollinator gardens, and meadow plantings.
Seeds can be more challenging to germinate compared to common ornamentals. Spiked Blazing Star often requires cold stratification and consistent moisture to break dormancy, and germination may be naturally slow or variable. Once established, however, it is a long-lived, drought-tolerant perennial that delivers dependable color, wildlife support, and a distinctive prairie aesthetic year after year.
