Smooth Blue Aster

(Symphyotrichum laeve)

Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

Heike Löchel

CC BY-SA 2.0 de

Image By: Heike Löchel

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Heike Löchel | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 de | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aster_(Blume).jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|Ontario Aster (''Symphyotrichum ontarionis'')}} |date=2017-09-21 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/10666790 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/446887 davecz2] |permission= |other versions=

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Symphyotrichum laeve, commonly known as Smooth Blue Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across the Intermountain West, Central and Eastern USA, and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 20 to 70 centimeters (8 to 28 inches). The plant features flower heads arranged in loose clusters, with each head boasting 13 to 23 ray florets that exhibit shades of pale to dark blue or purple, and 19 to 33 disc florets that are initially yellow and mature to purplish-red. The flowerheads span 13 to 25 millimeters (1⁄2 to 1 inch) across, and the seeds are cypselae with pappi, which facilitate wind dispersal. Smooth Blue Aster blooms from late summer to early fall, presenting a showy display that attracts pollinators such as native bees and butterflies, including serving as a larval host for the pearl crescent butterfly.

Smooth Blue Aster is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and ability to attract wildlife, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and borders. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and prefers well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. This 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: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple
Flowering Season: Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across the Intermountain West, Central and Eastern USA, and Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Smooth-Leaved Aster , Glaucous Aster , Smooth Aster , Kahle Aster , Glatte Aster

Scientific Names: Symphyotrichum laeve , Aster laevis , Symphyotrichum laeve subsp. laeve , Aster laevis var. laevis , Aster laevis subsp. laevis , Aster rubricaulis , Aster laevis var. sourisensis , Aster pickettianus , Aster decorus , Aster expansus

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve