What's eating my northern blazing star?

Northern Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa) is a robust native of dry, rocky sites and shares the Liatris pest profile. Aphids colonise flower stems, Papaipema stem borers tunnel into crowns, and deer browse the tall flower spikes. Slugs can damage basal rosettes in wetter gardens. Plants are drought-adapted and generally pest-resistant; monitor for borer-wilted stems.

Soft-bodied clusters on stems and developing flower heads; honeydew residue and distorted flower buds Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies; natural predator populations often suppress outbreaks without intervention

Single stems wilt and collapse from within; larva visible inside hollowed stem when cut; crown may be partially destroyed Cut and destroy affected stems immediately; no chemical remedy once larvae are established; good garden hygiene reduces re-infestation

Flower stalks and upper leaves grazed; browse damage typically late spring to midsummer before bloom Apply deer repellent sprays; use fencing in high-deer landscapes; plants often re-flush from the base if browsed early