Late Purple Aster
(Symphyotrichum patens)
Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens)
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Michael J. Papay
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michael J. Papay
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michael J. Papay | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michael J. Papay | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-13T11:16:08-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum patens, commonly known as Late Purple Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, meadows, and prairies of the Eastern and Southeastern United States. It typically grows between 10 and 100 centimeters (1⁄4 and 3+1⁄4 feet) tall with a spreading growth form. The leaves are ovate to oblong, clasping the pubescent stem, and the plant is known for its late-season blooms. The flowers are showy, with light blue to violet ray florets surrounding yellow disk florets, and are less than 3 centimeters (1+1⁄4 inches) in diameter. They flower from August to October, providing a splash of color when many other plants have finished blooming.
Late Purple Aster is valued for its late-season flowers, which offer a vital nectar source for pollinators preparing for winter. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a border in gardens, and for restoration projects due to its adaptability and low maintenance. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low to medium amounts of water, and prefers soils with medium drainage. While generally disease-free, powdery mildew can sometimes affect the foliage. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for a variety of garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Late Purple Aster is valued for its late-season flowers, which offer a vital nectar source for pollinators preparing for winter. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a border in gardens, and for restoration projects due to its adaptability and low maintenance. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires low to medium amounts of water, and prefers soils with medium drainage. While generally disease-free, powdery mildew can sometimes affect the foliage. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for a variety of garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, and prairies
Other Names
Common Names: Spreading Aster, Clasping Aster, Skydrop Aster
Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum patens, Aster patens, Aster undulatus, Aster patens f. patens, Aster virgatus, Virgulus patens, Lasallea patens, Aster auritus, Aster alatus
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum patens (Aiton) G.L.Nesom