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Symphyotrichum laeve
Smooth Blue Aster is a deciduous perennial in the Asteraceae family. In fall, lavender to blue
daisy-like flowers attract butterflies and specialized bees. This plant is a host for Pearl Crescent
Butterflies. Smooth Blue Aster likes full sun to part shade and can handle a variety of soil
conditions, if it has good drainage. This plant would be great for a pollinator garden or used as a border. If you like fall blooming plants like mums, consider planting asters instead!
Key Info
Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum laeve
Common Names: Smooth Blue Aster
Family Names: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Flower Color: Blue, lavender
Special Characteristics: Drought tolerant
Additional Info
Habit: Erect, spreading
Height: 2' - 4'
Spread: 1' - 2'
Soil Conditions: Clay, loam, sand
Leaves: Simple, alternate, lanceolate, ovate
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Radial, head, panicle
Fruit: Dry achene with red bristles
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: Nonhydrophyte: Almost never occurs in wetlands
Pollination: Specialized bees
Wildlife Connections: Hose plant for Pearl Crescent Butterflies, supports many specialized bees, birds eat the seeds
Propagation: Division, seed