Crookedstem Aster
(Symphyotrichum prenanthoides)
Crookedstem Aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-10T16:19:16-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum prenanthoides, commonly known as Crookedstem Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist woods, meadows, and along streams in northcentral and northeastern North America. It typically grows to a height of 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) with a similar spread, forming colonies through its rhizomatous root system. The stems are often crooked or nearly straight, becoming thick and purple with age. The leaves are variable in size and shape, adding texture to the plant’s appearance. From late summer to fall, Crookedstem Aster produces branching arrays of flower heads with up to 30 lavender, blue, or occasionally white ray florets surrounding a center of cream, yellow, purple, or brown disk florets. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
Crookedstem Aster is valued for its late-season blooms and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile addition to native plant gardens, woodland borders, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and tolerating a range of soil types with medium drainage. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to light conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, potentially becoming a nuisance in small spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Crookedstem Aster is valued for its late-season blooms and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile addition to native plant gardens, woodland borders, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and tolerating a range of soil types with medium drainage. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to light conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, potentially becoming a nuisance in small spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist woods, meadows, and stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: Crooked-Stem Aster, Zigzag Aster
Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum prenanthoides, Aster prenanthoides, Aster prenanthoides f. milwaukeensis, Aster prenanthoides var. longifolius, Aster prenanthoides var. porrectifolius, Aster prenanthoides f. prenanthoides, Aster prenanthoides var. diffusifolius, Aster prenanthoides var. prenanthoides, Aster prenanthoides var. scaber,
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum prenanthoides (Muhl. ex Willd.) G.L.Nesom