Symphyotrichum laeve – Smooth Blue Aster (B&B.DR.DRGHT.H.M.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Smooth Aster is a herbaceous perennial in the aster family that is native to central and eastern USA. It is a must-have for the garden due to the late-season blooms and the many pollinators it attracts. The 2-4 feet tall plant is covered in daisy-like purplish-blue flowers in Sept. to late fall.

Asters are easy to grow in well-drained average garden soil in full sun to partial shade and tolerate drought once established. Use in the border, a pollinator garden or naturalized areas. Will self-seed.

Host for the  the Silvery Checkerspot and the Pearl Crescent butterflies.

Members of the genus Symphyotrichum support the following specialized bees: Andrena asteris, Andrena asteroides, Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Colletes simulans.