Symphyotrichum prenanthoides

The subtle blue of crooked-stemmed aster’s autumn bloom hints of the sweet reward that awaits pollinators. Migratory butterflies like the monarch and common buckeye take notice, stopping by for a sip of sugary nectar on their southward flight. Fall mining bees visit as well, gathering the plant’s pollen in order to feed it to their offspring in their underground nests. A NE Ohio native of woodland edges and wet woods, crooked-stemmed aster grows well in moderately wet to average moisture and under full to partial sunlight. The plant is especially fond of streamside habitats that provide moist, well-drained soil and a gap in the forest canopy. Attaining a mature height of 1-3’, crooked-stemmed aster often spreads to form a small colony. Crooked-stemmed aster’s modest size and tolerance for partial shade make it especially useful in the autumn garden. Alongside calico aster and zigzag goldenrod, the plant is part of a colorful lineup that will be an absolute hit with pollinators. Like th