Description
Asters are a top wildflower for wildlife, serving as larval host to more than 100 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars in North America. Beautiful blue blooms with bluish leaves and upright stems sets Smooth Blue Aster apart. Asters are key pollinator plants that provide rare late-season nectar to diverse insects. Smooth Blue Aster is larval host to Pearl Crescent butterflies and numerous moths including the Wavy-lined Emerald and Asteriod moths. Asters provide essential winter forage to native sparrows and other birds. Leave seedheads in winter.
Soil Type: Clay/Loam
Soil Conditions: Moist-MediumDry
Flower Color: Blue
Flower Time: August-October
Height: 4'
Light: Sun/Part-Sun
Features: Rain Garden, Birds, Pollinators, Larval Host
Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of illinoiswildflowers.info