Smooth Blue Aster
Smooth Blue Asters are a very attractive native wildflower that are a keystone species and provide critical late season nectar and pollen resources to over-wintering bees, as well as host a multitude of butterfly and moth caterpillars.
Symphyotrichum leave
Habitat
Smooth Blue Asters are found in a variety of habitats, including, meadows, prairires, and open woodlands. It is well-adapted to different soil types and can thrive in both moist and well-drained environments.
Stem and Leaves
An erect perennial reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet tall. The stems are smooth and leafy, branching out near the top. The leaves are glaucous blue, lance-shaped, alternate and have smooth margins.
Flowers
Small, daisy-like flowers with vibrant blue petals surrounding a yellow central disk. These flowers are borne in dense clusters at the ends of the stems. The yellow centres turn red when they've been pollinated.
Ecological Role
The flowers provide a valuable food source for pollinators while the leaves are host to a multitude of caterpillar species. Not only bees but also wasps, flies, and moths rely on Asters for nectar at a critical time of the year.
Availability
Potted plants available late 2024
Seeds available.