Compare plants.

Woodland sage and Dense blazing star: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Woodland sage Salvia nemorosa	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Dense blazing star Liatris spicata
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Europe and west-central Asia	Central and eastern United States; eastern CanadaSee state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Moist to occasionally dry; well-drained soil	Moist to wet / Average moisture
Mature height
1½–3 ft	3–6 ft
Mature spread
6 in–2 ft	3–18 in
USDA hardiness zones
4–8	3–8
Season of interest
Summer–early fall	Summer
Garden & wildlife value
Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.	Purple flower spikes draw bees and butterflies, while their seeds feed goldfinches later in the season.
Growing notes
A compact, clumping perennial. Cutting back spent flower spikes can encourage another flush.	A tall, narrow accent for moist soil with drainage; avoid prolonged winter waterlogging.
Growing information	Growing information

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.