Symphyotrichum cordifolium – Blue Wood 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

Blue Wood Aster is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 3 feet tall. It has narrow, alternate leaves with a toothed margin. Pale blue to violet flowers bloom in large, loose panicles.

A low maintenance perennial native to eastern and central North America the blue wood aster is commonly found naturalized in woodlands, meadows, or stream banks.  It can be weedy as it self-seeds very easily.

Pinching back the stems will lead to a bushier plant and hopefully avoid the need for staking.  The foliage tends to decline by late summer and it can be cut to the ground to avoid any self-seeding and also to help with appearance.

Grows in average, dry to moist (prefers moist), well-drained soils.  It does not tolerate poorly drained locations.  It can be found in part shade locations as it tolerates shade well.

Host for the Pearl Crescent Butterfly.

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.