Blazingstar, Marsh - Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata, also known as Marsh Blazingstar or Gayfeather, is a perennial wildflower native to southern Michigan. Best in full sun and moist but well-drained loam, it will tolerate partial shade, medium to wet soil and will grow in muck, clay or loam. 

This beloved landscaping plant reaches 2 to 5 feet tall and flowers from July to September with a purple blossom on strong stalks. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Birds pluck the seeds, as well.
 
The popularity of this plant has lead to numerous cultivars. Note that when a plant is cultivated to change flower color, stature, or any other characteristic, numerous genes are likely to be affected. Although those changes are invisible to our eyes, cultivars may have altered nectar and pollen composition, non-functional chemical or electromagnetic pollinator signals, and almost certainly lack genetic diversity, which may make it harder for plants to adapt to climate change. We recommend planting the straight native species. Why mess with perfection?