Blazing-star
This morning Lynda asked why people have sometimes called Liatris blazing-star. This picture of Liatris mucronata may provide an answer: if you look up and down the center of the flower stalk, you can count at least a dozen stars—stylized ones, of course.
© 2011 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
I never saw Liatris that way before. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
KatiesCameraBlog
September 23, 2011 at 10:20 PM
You’re welcome: happy new vision.
Steve Schwartzman
September 23, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Yes, I see them now! Thanks Steven! ~ Lynda
pixilated2
September 23, 2011 at 11:00 PM
You’re welcome. Seeing is believing, as they say.
Steve Schwartzman
September 24, 2011 at 5:42 AM
Lovely 🙂
JuanitasPhotoBox
September 24, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Thanks, Juanita.
Steve Schwartzman
September 24, 2011 at 8:04 AM
Reminds me of the hyacinth – but free form and wilder. Beautiful photograph.
Dawn
September 24, 2011 at 8:14 AM
Thanks, Dawn. We have a native wild hyacinth here but it blooms in the spring and looks quite different from the Liatris.
Steve Schwartzman
September 24, 2011 at 8:37 AM
I always had the impression a “blazing star” was a comet – and the whole flowering stalk could be seen that way. Super photo!
theosageplains
September 25, 2011 at 7:19 PM
Your explanation certainly makes sense, Scott. I’ve long been of the opinion that there can be more than one explanation for something. In any case, I’m glad you liked the picture.
Steve Schwartzman
September 25, 2011 at 8:06 PM