Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Calico Aster

(Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Jamain

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Jamain

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Jamain | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Jamain | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aster_'Coombe_Fishacre'_J2.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|Symphyotrichum pilosum pilosum}} |date=2020-09-29 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/98012666 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/3326085 Elizabeth Ballard] |permission= |other versions= }} {{iNaturalist|61262542}} {{iNatu

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, commonly known as Calico Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, stream banks, and open woodlands in the Eastern United States. It can reach up to 120 centimeters (4 feet) in height and 30 cm (1 foot) in width. The Calico Aster is characterized by its numerous small flower heads with 7–15 white ray florets, sometimes tinged pink or purple, and 8–16 yellow to pink, purple, or brown disk florets as they mature. The leaves are mostly hairless with a hairy midrib on the underside, and the plant’s branching often has a horizontal or zigzag pattern. Flower heads are borne along one side of the branches and sometimes in terminal clusters, blooming in late summer to fall.

Calico Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a critical nectar source for pollinators like bees and hoverflies when other flowers have faded. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings, borders, and pollinator gardens. This aster prefers full sun to part shade and medium water, thriving in well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions. Deadheading can encourage additional blooming and prevent self-seeding, which can be prolific under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple
Flowering Season: 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, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to moist meadows, stream banks, and open woodlands in the Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Starved Aster, White Woodland Aster, One-Side Aster, Goblet Aster, Side-Flower Aster, Farewell Summer, One-Sided Aster, Side-Flowering Aster, Kattun-Aster, Aster Lateriflore, One-Sidedaster

Scientific Names: , Aster horizontalis, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, Aster lateriflorus, Aster lateriflorus var. lateriflorus, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. hirsuticaule, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. horizontale, Aster pendulus, Aster diffusus, Aster lateriflorus var. pendulus

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