Quick answer: Ontario blazing star (Liatris cylindracea) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 03 Nov 2026.
Photo: wackybadger, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Dry, limey soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Aug |
| Height | Up to 2 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies, special value to native and bumble bees |
none noted formally; volunteer seedlings can be abundant per growing conditions note
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 03 Nov 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 03 Nov 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Ontario blazing star
Where is Ontario blazing star native?
Ontario blazing star (Liatris cylindracea) is native to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Ontario blazing star bloom?
Ontario blazing star blooms Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Ontario blazing star need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Dry, limey soils. Mature height: Up to 2 ft tall.
Is Ontario blazing star good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, special value to native and bumble bees.
Is Ontario blazing star deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Ontario blazing star is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Ontario blazing star?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 03 Nov 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Liatris cylindracea by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Ontario blazing star.
- Prairie blazing star Liatris pycnostachya
- Compass plant Silphium laciniatum
- Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
- Richardson's alumroot Heuchera richardsonii
- Prairie dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis
- White wild indigo Baptisia alba
Also listed under
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