blazing star
Noun: 1. A North American wildflower of the genus Liatris: A perennial plant characterized by tall spikes of small, fluffy, disc-shaped flower heads that bloom from the top down. 2. A biennial plant (Mentzelia laevicaulis) of the southwestern United States: A plant known for its large, pale yellow, star-shaped flowers that open in the evening or early morning, and its toothed leaves and white stems.
- As a Liatris species:
- The prairie was dotted with the purple spikes of the blazing star.
- Blazing star is a popular plant for butterfly gardens, as it attracts monarchs.
- As Mentzelia laevicaulis:
- We hiked at dusk to see the blazing star flowers open.
- The blazing star, with its large yellow blooms, is adapted to arid environments.
- The term is primarily used in botanical and horticultural contexts or by wildflower enthusiasts. The specific meaning is often clarified by regional context (eastern/midwestern prairies vs. southwestern deserts) or by the flower's description (purple spike vs. large yellow flower).
- Gayfeather: A common synonym for the species of blazing star.
- Button snakeroot: Another name for some species.
- Evening star: A name sometimes used for , referring to its blooming time.
- For : gayfeather, button snakeroot, liatris.
- For : evening star, giant blazing star, smoothstem blazing star.
This word is a clear example of a homonym in botany, where the same common name refers to two distinct and unrelated plants: 1. The first and most common meaning refers to plants in the aster family (Asteraceae), genus Liatris. 2. The second meaning refers to a plant in the loasa family (Loasaceae), genus Mentzelia. Context (geographic location, flower color, and structure) is essential for correct identification.
- any of various North American plants of the genus Liatris having racemes or panicles of small discoid flower heads
- biennial of southwestern United States having white stems and toothed leaves that is grown for its large pale yellow flowers that open in early morning