What's eating my dotted blazing star?

Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata) is a drought-tolerant prairie native and is one of the toughest Liatris species. Aphids occasionally colonise flower spikes, and Papaipema borers can tunnel into the deep tap root and corm. Deer occasionally browse it in bloom. Its deep root system makes it highly resilient; pest damage rarely threatens established plants.

Soft colonies on developing flower spikes; honeydew leads to sooty mold deposits; bloom quality may be reduced Dislodge with water spray; insecticidal soap on persistent colonies; natural predator pressure usually sufficient in prairie plantings

Larvae tunnel down the large tap root; individual stems wilt as root tissue is destroyed; entire plant may be lost in severe cases Remove and dispose of wilting stems early; ensure excellent drainage to reduce crown susceptibility; no practical chemical option once inside the root

Flower spikes and upper foliage browsed during late summer bloom period Deer repellent sprays reapplied after rain; physical fencing in high-pressure sites; deep-rooted plants usually re-grow the following season