Synonym(s)
Aster laevis
Aster laevis var. laevis
Common Name
Smooth blue aster
Smooth aster
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
4.0
Width (ft)
1.0 -
2.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8
Additional Info
Asters are easy to grow in well-drained average garden soil in full sun to partial shade and tolerate drought once established. Use in the border, a pollinator garden or naturalized areas. Will self-seed.
Wildlife Value: Host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds. Members of the genus Symphyotrichum support specialized bees
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Flower Color
Blue
Purple/lavender
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Average
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Recommended for
Tolerates
Commercially available
Yes
Nurseries that may carry live plant
Carries Seeds (may not be available)
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