Blazing Star
Liatris squarrosa

Other Names: Button Snakeroot, Gayfeather, Rattlesnake Master, Scaly Gayfeather, Snakeroot, The Rattlesnake, Scaly Blazing Star

Habitat: (Liatris squarrosa) Blazing Star is a perennial herb native to Eastern N. America from Ontario to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, South Dakota and Texas. Found growing in meadows, dry open woods, clearings and fields, borders of marshes. Cultivation is easy, the plant prefers medium loamy well-drained soil and a sunny position, propagate by division of the tuberous roots in the spring. In the garden the flowers attract butterflies. The plants are variable and often cross producing plants with mixed features. Growing to 4 feet tall from a thick tuberous root, the erect stem or flower spike is unbranched, round woody and rough. The leaves numerous small and are alternate, long-linear and entire, they are covered with resinous dots. Brilliant purple multi-tubed flowers 1 to 2 inches round, cover the spike. They have many scaly bracts at the base and are nearly sessile. Blooms first appear in mid summer and continue into mid fall. Harvest the leaves in the summer, the roots in the autumn. Can be used dried or fresh.

Properties: The rootcrowns of this plant were used as food by Amerindians in New Mexico. The leaves and root are anodyne, antibacterial, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. Plant constituents include coumarin, tannins, and a substance called 'liatrin', which is known to have anticancer properties. An infusion of the roots is used in the treatment of stomach aches, bloody urine, and bladder problems. Highly effective as a mild emmenagogue and tonic for premenstrual cramps and bloating. A decoction of the roots is used as a wash for itching, rashes, sores and inflammatory skin conditions. The aromatic leaves and roots are added to pot-pourris. The leaves and the roots are added to various insect-repellent herbal mixtures for use in the clothes and cupboards.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MANY HERBAL PRODUCTS!

Folklore: A poultice made from the roots was applied to snake bites. Also said to be effective in the treatment of Bright's disease and Gonorrhoea.

Try This recipe

Infusion: To 1 tbls. dry herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep 20 min., drink in mouthful doses throughout the day, at the beginning of a cold or for delayed mensaes.