Purplestem Aster
(Symphyotrichum puniceum)
Purplestem Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum)
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Joshua Mayer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joshua Mayer
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joshua Mayer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: wackybadger | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum puniceum, commonly known as Purplestem Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb or subshrub native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of streams and lakes in the Eastern USA and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The plant is characterized by its stout, reddish-purple stems and lance-shaped leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and petals that can be blue, pink, purple, white, or yellow, which are highly attractive to pollinators.
Purplestem Aster is valued for its late-season blooms that add color to the garden when many other plants have finished flowering. It is often used in naturalized areas, rain gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly plantings. This aster prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it suitable for wetter areas of the garden. It thrives in full sun but can also handle part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in crowded conditions with poor air circulation. Due to its potential for aggressive self-seeding, it should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purplestem Aster is valued for its late-season blooms that add color to the garden when many other plants have finished flowering. It is often used in naturalized areas, rain gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly plantings. This aster prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding, making it suitable for wetter areas of the garden. It thrives in full sun but can also handle part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in crowded conditions with poor air circulation. Due to its potential for aggressive self-seeding, it should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of streams and lakes
Other Names
Common Names: Purple-Stem Aster , Red-Stalk Aster , Swamp Aster , Purple-Stemmed Aster , Red-Stemmed Aster , Red-Stem Aster , Swamp Aster , Bristly Aster , Aster Ponceau
Scientific Names: Symphyotrichum puniceum , Aster puniceus , Aster lucidulus , Aster puniceus var. oligocephalus , Aster puniceus var. compactus , Aster puniceus var. perlongus , Aster calderi , Aster carneus , Aster conduplicatus , Aster forwoodii
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum puniceum (L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve