Dwarf Blazing Star - Liatris cylindracea

Also called Cylindrical Blazing Star.

Features: A short liatris with a huge root system. If you look at the famous picture of the “Rhizosphere” that illustrates the root systems of prairie plants, it has the longest of all of them (second from right, below). A tough plant that will succeed in areas that many plants would find inhospitable. Attracts pollinators. (According to IL Wildflowers, Native Americans relied upon the corms during famine.)

Light: Full sun

Soil: Dry (but moist soil fine if well-drained)

Height:  1 foot

Blooms: July to October

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Image from Midwest Groundcovers