Calico Aster

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (previously Aster lateriflorus) Commonly called the Calico Aster, Side-flowering Aster, Starved Aster, and White Woodland Aster.  Native from Quebec to Ontario and Minnesota south to Florida and Texas where it is commonly found in a variety of habitats primarily including forest margins, stream borders, low wet woods, meadows, wet depressions of prairies and roadsides. Small white with purple tinged flowers (each to 1/2” across) bloom in clusters along the branches from mid/late August into October. Long horizontal branches spread out from the main stem, each being clad with rough, narrow, lanceolate, dark green leaves with toothed margins. Leaves turn coppery in late summer.  Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates periodic flooding. Stems may be pinched back in late spring to early summer if shorter plants are desired. Height: 2'-3'Spread: 2'-3'Bloom: August-OctoberLight: Part Shade, Dappled ShadeWater: MediumZone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8O