Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, Aromatic aster
- Item #: PP86
- Attractive Flowers:
- Average to moist soil:
- Average well drained soil:
- Beneficial Insects:
- Butterflies:
- Clay Soil- High clay content, fine texture:
- FAC- Occur in wetlands and non-wetlands:
- FACU - Usually occur in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands:
- Fragrant:
- Full - Part Sun (6+ hours of sun):
- Herbaceous plant:
- Herbal / Medicinal Uses:
- High Wildlife Value:
- Hummingbirds:
- Loamy Soil- mostly silt, sand, some clay:
- Medicinal Uses:
- Moist Soil:
- Native to Coastal Regions:
- Native To Mountain Regions:
- Native to Piedmont Regions:
- Part - Full Shade (less than 4 hours):
- Part Sun - Part Shade :
- Perennial:
- Pollinator support:
- Sandy soil, coarse texture:
- Small Mammals:
- Wildflower:
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, commonly called aromatic aster, is a native plant that typically occurs on limestone glades, slopes, prairies and dry open ground. A bushy, stiff, compact, low-growing plant with hairy stems. Typically grows 1-2' (infrequently to 3') tall and features small, daisy-like flowers (1" across) with violet blue rays and yellow center disks. Rigid, toothless, oblong, blue-green leaves (to 4" long) are, as the common name suggests, fragrant when crushed. Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.
Genus name comes from the Greek symph meaning coming together and trich meaning hair in possible reference to the flower anthers.
Specific epithet means with oblong leaves.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mildew. Some support may be needed for taller plants since stems may tend to splay apart in autumn from the weight of the bloom.
Garden Uses
Open shade gardens, native plant gardens or woodland gardens. Good for mass planting
