Liatris pycnostachya, commonly known as prairie blazing star, is a tall, clump-forming native perennial admired for its strong vertical lines and vivid late-summer bloom. It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall, occasionally stretching toward 6 feet in rich soils, with a spread of about 1 to 2 feet, forming an upright, narrow clump that fits well into meadows and sunny borders. The plant arises from a corm-like rootstock and produces unbranched, rigid stems lined with narrow, grasslike to lance-shaped leaves measuring roughly 6 to 12 inches long near the base and becoming progressively smaller up the stem, usually only ¼ to ½ inch wide. In mid to late summer, it sends up dense, cylindrical flower spikes that can measure 8 to 18 inches long, packed tightly with many small, tufted florets in shades of rosy purple to lavender. Each individual flower head is about ½ inch across, and the blooms open from the top of the spike downward, an unusual trait that adds to its ornamental interest. The fibrous roots anchor the plant deeply, helping it tolerate heat, humidity, and periodic dry spells once established, though it performs best in moist, well-drained soils. Over time, clumps may slowly enlarge by several inches per year, but the plant maintains a tidy, vertical footprint, making it excellent for adding height without excessive spread while providing a strong nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators.