Symphyotrichum patens - late purple aster

Height: 3’ +
Spread: 3’ 
Light Needs: sun to part shade
Water: average, well-drained
Flower color: blue-purple
Bloom time: August through October

This native aster is valued for its comparatively small size. The daisies are about an inch wide. It spreads by short rhizomes and develops into a bush-like shape. It may spread by seed by seedlings are easy to pull. This is a nice native aster for the garden and is much more manageable than some of the taller native asters. It is suitable for anything from a formal garden to a natural setting. Butterflies, bumble bees and other insect pollinators will visit the flowers. Caterpillars of pearl crescent butterflies feed on the foliage. Birds eat the seeds. Protect this plant if you have hungry deer in your neighborhood.