This woodland aster produces lavender flowers in the fall. Pair it with Elm-Leaved Goldenrod in a partly shaded garden to provide an abundance of resources for pollinators in the fall. Supports several species of specialist Andrenid bees.
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, flies, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
3 to 8
Height
2 to 3 ft.
Spread
1 to 3 ft.
Light
Partial Shade
Moisture Requirement
Dry Soil, Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
August, September, October
Design Considerations
Good for grouping and massing in shaded native plant beds.
Care and Maintenance
May need to be staked when in bloom.
Pest and Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildew and aster wilt. Insects, deer, and rabbits consume foliage.
Establishment and Propagation
Best started by seeds in flats, then transplanted. Seeds need 30 days of cold, moist stratification. Can be transplanted in early spring or fall.
Commercial Availability
Rarely available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Heart-Leaved Aster, Calico Aster
Native Status
Illinois native statewide
Fall Color
Insignificant
Growth habit
Herbaceous plant that often leans to one side when in bloom. Can spread from rhizomes to form colonies.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
