Liatris is commonly planted from corms in the spring. They can be grown from seed but they take a few years to mature. Since corms are a vegetative means of reproduction, those plants will always ...

Tillman spent his senior year soaking the northern blazing star seed in a plant hormone called ethephon. His results showed the process can cut down the germination time from 60 days to 14.

Birds also enjoy eating the seeds in winter. Blazing star (Liatris spicata) This delicate native perennial showcases purple flowers along 3- to 4-foot spikes that shoot up from grass-like foliage.

It’s not too late to see northern blazing stars in all of their glory. You need to find some dry grasslands, preferably with sandy soil, and look for a spiky purple flower.

Tillman spent his senior year soaking the northern blazing star seed in a plant hormone called ethephon. His results showed the process can cut down the germination time from 60 days to 14.