Willowleaf Aster

(Symphyotrichum praealtum)

Willowleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum praealtum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Symphyotrichum praealtum, commonly known as Willowleaf Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, marsh edges, and open woodlands in Canada and the Central and Eastern United States into Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and bears clusters of small, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and purple to blue rays that bloom in late summer to fall, providing a showy display.

Willowleaf Aster is valued for its late-season blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators. It is used in naturalistic plantings, such as meadow gardens, and as a border plant in cultivated gardens. This aster prefers consistently moist soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including occasional wetness. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires soils with medium to fast drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions. To maintain vigor and prevent self-seeding, divide clumps every few years.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-5 feet
  • Width: 1.5-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, marsh edges, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Veiny-Lined Aster, Willow Aster, Willow-Leaved Aster, Willowleaf Aster, Willow-Leaf Aster, Tall Aster, Veiny-Line Aster

Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum praealtum, Aster praealtus, Symphyotrichum praealtum var. nebraskense, Aster coerulescens, Symphyotrichum praealtum var. angustior, Aster praealtus var. angustior, Aster praealtus var. caerulescens, Symphyotrichum praealtum var. subasperum, Aster nebraskensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum praealtum (Poir.) G.L.Nesom