Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (formerly Aster oblongifolius) is the scientific name for the native flower more commonly known as Aromatic Aster or Oblong-leaved Aster, which is a species of flowering plant of the Asteraceae family.

Native to parts of the eastern and central United States, Aromatic Aster is a fairly uncommon herbaceous perennial that reaches heights of 2-2½ feet and 4–31 inches wide, blooming profusely from August to November with many flower heads in various shades of light blue to purple.

Aromatic Aster can typically be found in parts of Kansas, Ohio, northern Illinois, hilly parts of southern Illinois, and on the banks of the Mississippi River and Illinois River, as well as other parts of the central United States. It can be found in Missouri, along the Ohio River, and from Pennsylvania to Nebraska to Minnesota and Virginia.

As of July 2021, Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) was listed as Secure, worldwide; Critically Imperiled in Colorado and North Carolina; Imperiled in Wyoming; and, Vulnerable in Indiana and Ohio.

This species is considered present but rare in several counties of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi.

Often this plant can be covered in pollinators, mainly Bumblebees, Skippers, Butterflies, and even drawing in Hummingbirds!

The common name Aromatic Aster is not derived from the flowers scent, which is nearly unnoticeable, but break its stem and you’ll be carried away by its deeply enticing aroma!

Plant Details

USDA Zones: 3-8

Germination Needs: No special treatment needed

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full to Partial

Soil Moisture: Medium-Dry, Dry

Plant Spacing: 1-1½ feet

Height: 2 feet

Bloom time: August, September, October, November

Bloom Color: Purple

Advantages

Pollinator Favorite: butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, beetles

Bird Favorite: seeds, insects, fruit, nectar, nesting, perchs.

Deer Resistant: Yes

Excellent in the home landscape!

Native to: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

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Packet quantities:

We pride ourselves on ethical, hands on, ecological management, using no mechanical or chemical methods whatsoever.

All of our native seed is hand reared, hand picked, and hand packed from native prairies under our exclusive management, never breaking chain of custody from the field until it is sent to you. Each packet is hand prepared for shipment by us, directly.

Small seed species will contain greater than 20-25 seed

Large seed species will contain greater than 10-15 seed

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