Aromatic Aster

Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is a native perennial found in parts of the Ridge and Valley, especially on shale barrens, rocky slopes, limestone outcrops and open woodland edges. Its beautiful purple flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing an important source of nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies and other pollinators when many other flowers have finished blooming. Its leaves even release a pleasant fragrance when crushed!

Planting & Care

Plant in full sun with dry to medium, well drained soil. Rocky, shallow and even poor soils are fine, and it can tolerate clay as long as drainage is good. Water regularly while establishing, but once established Aromatic Aster is very tolerant of heat and drought. It naturally forms a spreading mound, and leaving the stems standing over winter provides valuable habitat for native bees!