Blazing Star (Liatris ×gladewitzii): A Rare Native Hybrid for Great Lakes Gardeners
If you’re a native plant enthusiast in the Great Lakes region, you might have stumbled across the intriguing Liatris ×gladewitzii, commonly known as blazing star. This perennial wildflower represents something special in the plant world – it’s a natural hybrid that’s carved out its own niche in the prairies and open spaces of the upper Midwest.
What Makes This Blazing Star Special?
Liatris ×gladewitzii is a herbaceous perennial forb, meaning it’s a non-woody flowering plant that dies back to the ground each winter and returns faithfully each spring. The × in its scientific name tells us this is a hybrid – nature’s own cross between two different Liatris species. Like other members of the blazing star family, this plant likely produces the characteristic bottle-brush-like purple flower spikes that make Liatris so beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has a relatively limited natural range, making it something of a regional treasure. You’ll find Liatris ×gladewitzii growing naturally in:
- Ontario, Canada
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
This Great Lakes distribution suggests it’s well-adapted to the climate and growing conditions of this region, from the cool summers of Ontario to the prairie landscapes of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Why Consider Growing Liatris ×gladewitzii?
While specific cultivation information for this hybrid is limited, there are several compelling reasons to consider it for your native garden:
- True regional native: This plant evolved specifically in your area, making it perfectly suited to local conditions
- Pollinator magnet: Like other blazing stars, it likely attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: As a native perennial, it should thrive without much fuss once established
- Unique garden addition: Growing a natural hybrid adds botanical interest to your landscape
The Reality Check: Limited Availability
Here’s where things get interesting (and perhaps a bit challenging). Because Liatris ×gladewitzii is a natural hybrid with a limited range, you’re unlikely to find it at your local garden center. This rarity in cultivation means that specific growing instructions, mature size information, and detailed care requirements aren’t widely documented.
Growing Conditions and Care
While we don’t have hybrid-specific growing information, we can make educated guesses based on its Great Lakes native range and the general preferences of the Liatris genus:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Probably thrives in well-draining soils, potentially sandy or loamy
- Water: Once established, likely drought-tolerant like most prairie plants
- Hardiness: Given its range, probably hardy in USDA zones 3-8
Alternative Native Blazing Stars
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing a native blazing star but can’t source Liatris ×gladewitzii, consider these more readily available alternatives that share part of its native range:
- Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya): Tall with dense purple spikes
- Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera): Shorter with more open flower clusters
- Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): Adaptable to various moisture levels
The Bottom Line
Liatris ×gladewitzii represents the fascinating complexity of native plant communities – a natural hybrid that tells the story of plant evolution in action. While it might not be the easiest blazing star to grow due to limited availability and cultivation information, it serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity waiting to be discovered in our native landscapes.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter this plant in the wild or find seeds from a reputable native plant society, it could make a wonderful addition to a prairie garden or naturalized area. Just remember to source any plant material responsibly and never collect from wild populations.
For most gardeners, starting with more common blazing star species will give you that stunning prairie look while supporting local pollinators – and who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire more interest in tracking down rare natives like Liatris ×gladewitzii.
