Bottlebrush Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata, though sometimes confused with or grouped alongside Liatris cylindracea in the trade) is a drought-tolerant native of the central and southern U.S., historically found in dry prairies, limestone glades, and open rangelands where its deep roots helped it thrive in harsh, exposed conditions. It earns its name from its showy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes, packed with feathery purple blooms that open from the top downward and draw heavy attention from butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The plant forms a tidy clump of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces upright stems that remain elegant even in lean, rocky soils. To grow Bottlebrush Blazing Star, sow seeds in full sun with well-drained soil, allowing natural winter stratification—or refrigerating seeds—to ensure good germination; although slow to establish, it becomes a durable, low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with vivid late-summer color and excellent wildlife value.