SCIENTIFIC NAME: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aster oblongifolius
COMMON NAMES: Aromatic Aster, Eastern Aromatic Aster
BLOOM TIMES: Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov
PLANT PROFILE:
- Plant 2½ ft. tall.
- Attractive flower heads have 24-40 purple-blue petal like rays with yellow centers.
- Flowers turn reddish purple as they mature.
- Has stiff, spreading, bush-like branches with 3” hairy leaves
- Flowers have no scent but crushed foliage has a balsam like aroma when crushed.
- One of the last wildflower & aster species to bloom in fall prior to heavy frost.
- This plant is pretty & easy to cultivate in a sunny garden.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS:
- Many insects visit the flowers, including bees, butterflies, and skippers.
- Wild turkeys and upland gamebirds may eat the seeds and foliage.
- Late blooming asters provide nectar for migrating Monarchs.