Blazing star or Gayfeather is native to Midwestern and Eastern moist meadows. Indigenous peoples sought this flower for the edible corms, its medicinal qualities, and ceremonial use as a symbol of courage and strength. Butterflies and bees will delight in the purple bottlebrush flower spikes that supply a continuous offering of pollen and nectar, for they bloom in succession from the tips of the tall spikes to the bottom. The narrow strap leaves admirably serve in a supporting role to the vivid summer blooming flowers.