Plant guide
Blazing star
Liatris spicata
Blazing star is considered non-toxic to cats. Upright flower spikes add height to a sunny border.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: Liatris spicata only. Confirm the botanical label; a photograph cannot identify a visitor’s specimen.
Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Liatris spicata
By Hedwig Storch
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Plant shopping
Explore this plant
Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Liatris spicata
By Hedwig Storch
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Blazing star bulbs
View on Amazon — blazing star bulbs; paid link; opens in a new tabPaid link · Opens in a new tab
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
A little paw-note: We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. This helps us keep building and helps Nico & Larry sustain their lavish kitty lifestyle.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Look for Liatris spicata and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Liatris spicata
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Liatris spicata only; the light and water categories summarize the cited growing guidance.
- Light
- Sunny position or Some direct sun
Choose full sun to partial shade.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
This species prefers average to moist soil rather than very dry conditions.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
Summer heat is tolerated. A preferred numerical growing range was not established in the reviewed source.
- Humidity
Summer humidity is tolerated.
- Potting
- Use well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH.
- Through the year
- Leave short sections of hollow stems standing to support nesting bees.
Growing-guide sources
- Liatris spicata - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Exact named species; garden conditions are not relabeled as indoor requirements.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-17. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.
Sources & review
- Blazing star: plant safety reference ↗Veterinary Poisons Information Service · Accessed
Listed by the source as Liatris species. VPIS covers Liatris species. NC State places L. spicata within that genus; this guide applies the group guidance only to the named species.
- Pet-safe plants ↗Veterinary Poisons Information Service · Accessed 2026-10-17
- Liatris spicata: botanical identity ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
VPIS covers Liatris species. NC State places L. spicata within that genus; this guide applies the group guidance only to the named species.
- Blazing star: supporting reference ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Safety last reviewed .