Summary
Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is a floriferous, unfussy herbaceous perennial that grows vigorously in average to moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. A basal cluster of sharply toothed, heart shaped leaves give rise to smooth, upright, gently arching 2-4’ tall stems. Stems terminate in open, small-leaved panicles of daisy-like flowers, ¾” wide, blooming in late summer to fall. Flowers typically have 8-20 pale blue to lavender petals with a butter-yellow center that matures to a deep violet.
Is Blue Wood Aster Native? Value for Pollinators and Birds
With its abundant floral display and late season blooming, blue wood aster is a valuable pollen and nectar source for migrating and overwintering pollinators. As a member of the American aster genus (Symphyotrichum), this keystone plant hosts many caterpillar species and several specialist bees. Rabbits often nibble leaves and stems, but plants usually still bloom, albeit in a more limited capacity.
Blue wood aster shines in a pollinator garden or naturalistic woodland border combined with white snakeroot (Agaratina altissima var. altissima) and white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata) where its ease of seeding-in can be utilized. If using in a formal garden, cutting back after flowering is recommended to control its spread. For seed collection, allow flowers to senesce and collect when seedheads are fluffy. Seeds should be sprinkled on bare soil in late fall or early winter to allow for an adequate period of cold-stratification. Blue wood aster makes a good selection for the cut flower garden too. Plant height can be controlled with a pinching performed by mid July, which also results in a bushier plant. Formerly Aster cordifolius. Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-fall - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
light-purple, violet - Summer Foliage Color
green - Other Scientific Names
Aster cordifolium
- Fall Foliage Color
tan - Other Common Names
heart-leaved aster, broad-leaved aster - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers, Missouri Botanical Garden