Rice Button Aster
(Symphyotrichum dumosum)
Rice Button Aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum)
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Bob Peterson
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Bob Peterson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bob Peterson | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Rice_button_aster_(Symphyotrichum_dumosum)_(6435495559).jpg | Notes: {{BotMoveToCommons|en.wikipedia|year={{subst:CURRENTYEAR}}|month={{subst:CURRENTMONTHNAME}}|day={{subst:CURRENTDAY}}}} {{Information |Description={{en|Aromatic Aster - Aster oblongifolius}} |Source=Transferred
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum dumosum, commonly known as Rice Button Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, meadows, and prairies in Eastern and Southern United States. It typically reaches a height of up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) and spreads to form clumps. This aster is characterized by its much-branched, paniculiform arrays of flower heads that bloom from late summer to fall, specifically August through October. The flower heads are approximately 13 mm (1⁄2 inch) in diameter, with 15–30 disk florets that start pale yellow and mature to pink. The florets are surrounded by small bracts that resemble scales, a common trait among the Asteraceae family.
Rice Button Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a splash of color when many other perennials have finished flowering. It is used in border plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a pollinator attractant. This plant is relatively easy to maintain and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Rice Button Aster is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Rice Button Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a splash of color when many other perennials have finished flowering. It is used in border plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a pollinator attractant. This plant is relatively easy to maintain and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Rice Button Aster is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, meadows, and prairies
Other Names
Common Names: Bushy Aster, Aster Touffu
Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum dumosum, Aster dumosus, Symphyotrichum dumosum var. subulifolium, Symphyotrichum dumosum var. strictior, Symphyotrichum dumosum var. gracilipes, Aster coridifolius, Aster dumosus var. coridifolius, Aster dumosus var. pergracilis, Aster dumosus var. gracilipes
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) G.L.Nesom