Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
Photo by Pam Ford
Summary
A must for any pollinator garden, aromatic aster produces masses of purple flowers in the fall which bloom until frost. Typically the longest lasting blooms in our pollinator garden, the plant is abuzz with bees and other pollinators late into the season. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it develops dense, low mounded plants. It can be planted en masse along a walkway or border as a great native alternative to chrysanthemum, or it’s just as comfortable in a meadow or naturalized area.
More Details
FAMILY
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
BLOOM TIME
August through October
FLOWER
Blue, Purple
MATURE SIZE
1-3 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun to part shade
SOIL CONDITIONS
Easily grown in average, dry to medium soil. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.
NATIVE STATUS
PA native
Ecosystem Connections
Aromatic aster is attractive to many pollinators including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, small to medium-sized butterflies and skippers. Numerous insects feed on the foliage and other parts of asters, including the caterpillars of the silvery checkerspot butterfly and many moth species. Wild Turkey and other upland game birds eat the seeds and foliage.