Wildflower Identification: Button Blazing Star

During our adventure through the mud and back the pond we came across a few of these flowers, most of which were just starting to bloom. The plant photographed below was the most mature, and thus offered the most color.

The Button Blazing Star is related to a prior wildflower identified back in July, the Prairie Blazing Star. It may also be referred to as the Tall Blazing Star, Button Gayfeather, or Tall Gayfeather. The Button Blazing Star features numerous flowers, often 16 to 40 dependent upon the height, and grows to be 16 to 48 inches tall. It is a native plant to the state of Kansas, and most often found in the eastern half of the state blooming from late August into early October. Commonly found in drained to dry soils, it is drought tolerant, and handles part to full sun.

Take a look at this unique looking purple flower below: