Dense blazingstar (Liatris spicata) the whimsical flower spikes of this Northeastern native are loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Blazingstar supplies a winter food source for birds and is deer resistant. It prefers well drained sites, as the stem may rot if overwintered in waterlogged soil. An excellent accent plant, especially when planted next to natives with contrasting yellow blooms, such as green-headed coneflower, black-eyed susans and lance-leaf coreopsis.