Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
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Tried and True Recommended by 7 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: aromatic aster
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Eastern to north-central United States
Garden Location: Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders, Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden, Suzanne Stagg Wright Rock Garden
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: August to September
Bloom Color: Blue, Purple
Bloom Description: Blue, purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought
Uses: Groundcover, Erosion Control

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

Aromatic aster is a Missouri 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.

Plant of Merit

When brushed with the hand, the stem-clasping, narrow-oblong, blue green leaves of this compact, shrubby, Missouri native aster release a fresh, intoxicating fragrance. Native to limestone glades and dry prairies, this aster produces an often profuse late summer to fall bloom of 1-inch diameter daisy-like flowers with purple rays and yellow centers. This is an excellent selection for wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, foundations or borders.

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

Provides late bloom for the border, wildflower garden or native plant garden, meadow or prairie.

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