Pest identification
What's eating my meadow blazing star?
Liatris borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis)
Signs: Wilting or collapsing stems; hollow tunnels visible when stem is cut; frass near base
Control: Cut and destroy infested stems below the entry point; no chemical controls are reliably effective once inside the stem
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves and stems; curled or distorted new growth; sooty mold may follow
Control: Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to heavy infestations
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut stems on young shoots and foliage, especially in spring
Control: Surround new plantings with wire mesh guards; established clumps are more resilient
Keep meadow blazing star pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Meadow Blazing Star pests — FAQ
What is eating my meadow blazing star?
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) attracts specialist feeders: the Liatris borer moth caterpillar tunnels stems, aphids cluster on new growth, and rabbits browse young foliage. Deer occasionally graze the flower spikes. The plant is generally tough, but stem borers are the most damaging pest to watch for.
How do I get rid of liatris borer moth (carmenta anthracipennis) on meadow blazing star?
Wilting or collapsing stems; hollow tunnels visible when stem is cut; frass near base Cut and destroy infested stems below the entry point; no chemical controls are reliably effective once inside the stem
How do I get rid of aphids on meadow blazing star?
Sticky honeydew on leaves and stems; curled or distorted new growth; sooty mold may follow Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to heavy infestations
How do I get rid of rabbits on meadow blazing star?
Clean-cut stems on young shoots and foliage, especially in spring Surround new plantings with wire mesh guards; established clumps are more resilient