Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Heart-leaved Aster
PS to Shade, Zone 3, blooms September-October, 3’ x 2’, medium to medium dry.
Keystone Species - Asters are the number 2 keystone perennial in our region. In general they can support 112 species of caterpillars as host plant and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen Asters produce. They have late season nectar crucial to native pollinators. By hosting a high diversity of caterpillars, it provides the essential protein source needed by 96% of terrestrial birds to raise their young. This aster is highly adaptable, thriving in shady to partially shady woodlands, making it a valuable addition to naturalized landscapes.
This aster has hairy stems and a distinctive structure where the leaves clasp the stem, almost encircling it. Flowering occurs from August to November, with the lower leaves often withering by the time of flowering. The abundant flower heads with yellow centers and like other asters, puts on a late season show. When the centers of the tiny blooms change to pink, you know a bee has been at work and the flower has been pollinated! The wonderful array of flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Easily grown from seed and often it will abundantly self-seed in the garden if not deadheaded. If too much self-seeding occurs, you can dig up seedlings to share with others who have butterfly gardens. Asters are important late-season plants to provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects, butterflies and bees.
Asters are considered essential Keystone plants. They support 100 species of caterpillars and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen asters produce.
Attracts a wide variety of butterflies, native bees, honey bees, soldier beetles, bee flies and the seeds are often eaten by birds. Asters host caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Pearl Crescent Butterfly and several species of moths.
DA Planting Notes - Heart-leaved is our top selling aster. It is fun to watch its sweet small flower discs turn pink as fall progresses. Pollinators doing their job. While many say it self-seeds abundantly, we have not seen this at DA. We have it planted in a FS and PS location.
Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Heart-leaved Aster
PS to Shade, Zone 3, blooms September-October, 3’ x 2’, medium to medium dry.
Keystone Species - Asters are the number 2 keystone perennial in our region. In general they can support 112 species of caterpillars as host plant and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen Asters produce. They have late season nectar crucial to native pollinators. By hosting a high diversity of caterpillars, it provides the essential protein source needed by 96% of terrestrial birds to raise their young. This aster is highly adaptable, thriving in shady to partially shady woodlands, making it a valuable addition to naturalized landscapes.
This aster has hairy stems and a distinctive structure where the leaves clasp the stem, almost encircling it. Flowering occurs from August to November, with the lower leaves often withering by the time of flowering. The abundant flower heads with yellow centers and like other asters, puts on a late season show. When the centers of the tiny blooms change to pink, you know a bee has been at work and the flower has been pollinated! The wonderful array of flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Easily grown from seed and often it will abundantly self-seed in the garden if not deadheaded. If too much self-seeding occurs, you can dig up seedlings to share with others who have butterfly gardens. Asters are important late-season plants to provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects, butterflies and bees.
Asters are considered essential Keystone plants. They support 100 species of caterpillars and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen asters produce.
Attracts a wide variety of butterflies, native bees, honey bees, soldier beetles, bee flies and the seeds are often eaten by birds. Asters host caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Pearl Crescent Butterfly and several species of moths.
DA Planting Notes - Heart-leaved is our top selling aster. It is fun to watch its sweet small flower discs turn pink as fall progresses. Pollinators doing their job. While many say it self-seeds abundantly, we have not seen this at DA. We have it planted in a FS and PS location.
