Prairie Blazing Star is a tall, imposing wildflower of wet-to-mesic prairies, producing 4-foot spikes of brilliant rosy-purple flowers in late summer. It is a flagship species of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and was historically far more abundant before prairie conversion to agriculture. It supports regal fritillaries and many specialist native bees.
Best time to see a Prairie Blazing Star
The best time to see a Prairie Blazing Star is June–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,504 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Prairie Blazing Star? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Prairie Blazing Star sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Prairie Blazing Star?
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