Rain Garden Plants: Smooth Aster

Blue to purple daisy-like flower with yellow center. Blooms into late fall and continues to provide color after hard frost. Unlike most asters, leaves are smooth to touch. Lower leaves clasp around stem. Leaves get smaller as they ascend. May need staking. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Host plant for pearl crescent butterfly.

Height: 36 to 48 inches
Bloom color: Blue to purple with a yellow center
Bloom time: August to October
Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
Salt tolerance: Medium
Spreading habit: Self-seeds

Smooth Aster plant in bloom. Photo credit: Constance Schmotzer, Penn State Extension

Smooth Aster plants. Photo credit: Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: Dry, shallow-rocky; tolerates drought, erosion
Hydrologic zones: Wet/moist

Smooth Aster leaves. Photo credit: Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Sources

Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
New Moon Nursery
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox