Kalimeris yomena, commonly known as Japanese aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to meadows and grasslands in Korea and Japan. It typically reaches about 1.5 feet in height and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. The plant features daisy-like flowers with pale blue to violet petals and yellow centers, blooming from midsummer to early fall. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy when planted en masse. Japanese aster has a clumping growth habit with lance-shaped leaves that can also be used as a leaf vegetable in some cultures.

Japanese aster is valued for its ease of maintenance and its long flowering season, making it an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. It is often used in border plantings, cottage gardens, and as a ground cover. This plant prefers full sun to part shade, moist but well-drained soil, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. ’Shogun’ is a popular ornamental cultivar known for its larger and more vibrant flowers. While generally disease-resistant, Japanese aster can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or rust, especially in humid conditions. It is non-invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for a variety of garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0