Ouachita Blazing Star (Liatris compacta)

By Susan Hooks

The Ouachita blazing star is a species endemic to the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. This plant is abundant in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas but is globally rare. It has been called by a number of common names, most notably the Ouachita blazing star or the Arkansas gayfeather.

Liatris compacta was once considered a variation of the species L. squarrosa but has since been identified as a separate species due to morphologic differences, distinct habitat preferences and that geographical separation from its closest relatives. This species belongs to the plant family Asteraceae also referred to as the Sunflower family. It grows in rocky, open woodlands on ridgetops and slopes, and on glades and bluffs of sandstone, novaculite, or shale. The blazing star flowers as early as May and continues to bloom into July. It flowers earlier than other Liatris species in the Ouachita Mountains.

This blazing star which produces multiple stems and clumps will grow in size each year. The name blazing star refers to the appearance of the flowers. The flowers are lavender which provides an early color display. Butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to the purplish pink fuzzy blossoms.

The blazing star is a perennial plant that has a bulb-like root called a corm. This plant is very drought hardy and does well in gardens with well drained soils. It can be grown from seed, which should be collected in the early fall. Seed will need to be sown in the fall. Plants typically begin flowering the second year after being grown from seed. This plant grows best in full to partial sun.