Sky Blue Aster
(Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
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aarongunnar
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
aarongunnar
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: aarongunnar | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: aarongunnar | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-09-06T09:50:15-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense, commonly known as Sky Blue Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to prairie remnants, open woodlands, and savannas in the Central United States. It typically grows 20 to 150 centimeters (3⁄4 to 5 feet) tall, with one to several erect, herbaceous stems. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a rough texture, with the lower leaves being larger and heart-shaped, while the upper leaves are smaller and narrower. From late summer to fall (August to October), it produces showy composite flowers with blue to violet rays and yellow centers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
Sky Blue Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a splash of color when many other plants have finished flowering. It is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and for naturalizing in informal settings. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers well-drained soils and is relatively low maintenance. While it is not typically plagued by serious pests or diseases, powdery mildew and rust can occasionally be problems. It is also important to note that this species can spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be considered in garden planning to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sky Blue Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a splash of color when many other plants have finished flowering. It is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and for naturalizing in informal settings. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers well-drained soils and is relatively low maintenance. While it is not typically plagued by serious pests or diseases, powdery mildew and rust can occasionally be problems. It is also important to note that this species can spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be considered in garden planning to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to prairie remnants, open woodlands, and savannas in the Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Azure Aster, Skyblue Aster, Sky-Blue Aster
Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum oolentangiense, Aster azureus, Aster oolentangiensis, Symphyotrichum oolentangiense var. oolentangiense, Symphyotrichum oolentangiense var. poaceum, Aster oolentangiensis var. poaceus, Aster oolentangiensis var. oolentangiensis, Aster oolentangiensis var. laevicaulis, Aster vernalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (Riddell) G.L.Nesom