Dense Blazing-star

Liatris spicata

Pollinator Value

🐛 Larval Host: Papaipema beeriana, Synchlora aerata
S14 Papaipema beeriana (Noctuidae, Nearctic), Synchlora aerata (Geometridae, USA); both genera present in ON/QC

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: SW
CEC Eco-Regions: 8 – Eastern Temperate Forests, 8.1 – Mixed Wood Plains, 8.1.2 – Lake Erie Lowland
Rarity Notes: Listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act since June 2003, with COSEWIC status Threatened. Nationally ranked N2 in Canada. In Ontario, ranked S2 (Imperiled) with native populations concentrated in the southwestern Lake Erie Lowland. Globally secure at G5. In Quebec, ranked SNA as the species is introduced.
S26 S22
Rarity Ranks: QC SNA – Not Applicable, ON S2 – Imperiled
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A prairie and wetland specialist of moist sandy plains, wet-mesic prairies, marsh edges, fens, and calcareous seeps. In Ontario, restricted to the Lake Erie Lowland where it is imperiled (S2) and listed as Threatened under SARA. Characteristic of higher-quality natural areas, especially sandy substrates with adequate moisture. The species is introduced in Quebec and Ottawa, where garden escapes occasionally appear.
S7 S10 S26 S1 S62

Roles: Fire Retardant, Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = High (not definitional)] | Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: spines? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]

Category: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Astringent, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Gastrointestinal Aid, Heart Medicine, Kidney Aid, Stimulant, Tonic
S28 Moerman Cherokee+Menominee uses; S29 PFAF medicinal categories
Notes: Cherokee traditional medicine used root and leaves extensively: root as diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, and stimulant; decoction or tincture for backache, limb pains, and colic. Menominee used compound decoction of root for weak heart. PFAF notes the plant is considered extremely efficacious as a local application for sore throats and gonorrhoea, and is also used in treating kidney diseases. Leaves harvested in summer, roots in autumn; both used fresh or dried. PFAF medicinal rating 3 of 5.
S28 S29

❌ Not Edible

Foraging Notes: No known edible uses. PFAF edibility rating 0 of 5. USDA lists Palatable Human as No. Moerman records 9 uses for this species but all are medicinal, not food.
S29 S11 S28