Stoke’s aster is an herbaceous perennial a native to the southeastern United States.

Stoke’s aster grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil with good drainage. It will tolerate occasionally wet soil and is resistant to drought, deer, and rabbits. It will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and up to 18 inches wide.

This plant was very popular in old gardens. The showy deep violet or lavender-blue flowers appear in early summer. Its leaves persist through the winter, in dark green, attractive rosettes.

Plant this aster as a border or mass planting in a native, pollinator, butterfly, cottage, or winter garden. Its tolerance of moisture also makes it appropriate for a pond margins or upper riparian areas.

Host plant for the caterpillars of some moths.