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.