Symphyotrichum laeve (smooth blue aster, smooth aster, smooth-leaved aster, glaucous Michaelmas-daisy or glaucous aster) is a flowering plant native to Canada and the United States.
Family:
Asteraceae (Aster)
Height:
1 to 3 feet
Leaves:
Leaves (up to 4” long) are thick with a smooth, waxy surface. They are bright green in color and clasp around the stem at their base.
Flower:
Clusters of purple, light blue, or white flowers (1” across) emerge from the top of the plant. Flowers have yellow centers and 15-30 petals.
Bloom time:
August-October
Nicknames:
Smooth Aster, Smooth American Aster
Habitat:
Smooth Blue Aster grows best in partial to full sun, in loamy soils ranging from dry to well-drained. It is commonly found in prairies, savannas, open woodlands, and it does well in soils with some clay, sand, or rock content. It is a common understory species in Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) communities.
Wildlife Benefits:
Nectar and pollen attract many species of bees and butterflies. The foliage is a food source for many other insects, as well as gamefowl, songbirds, small mammals, and deer.
Can I plant this in my garden?
This plant will do well in sunny areas with dry or well-drained, loamy soils. Its foliage is susceptible to mild damage from disease and herbivory, but it does well on most sites if given enough open space to establish.
References
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/smooth-blue-aster
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sm_asterx.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/symphyotrichum-laeve/
Life cycle | perennial |
---|---|
Origin | native |
Flower | blue, purple |
Family | Asteraceae |
Habit | Forb |
Bloom time | (8) August, (9) September, 10 - October |
*sites | Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |