Shorts Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)

Shorts Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)

Symphyotrichum shortii (formerly Aster shortii) is the scientific name for what is more commonly known as Shorts Aster, which is a species of flowering plant of the expansive Asteraceae family.

Native to North America, Shorts Aster is primarily found in interior areas east of the Mississippi River. Its natural habitat is in thin rocky soils of woodlands and thickets often around limestone bluffs. It is common throughout much of its range, although it is generally restricted to intact natural communities.

Symphyotrichum shortii is a perennial herbaceous plant growing up to 3.5 feet tall. Producing flower heads with purple ray florets from late summer through fall. Unlike many related Symphyotrichum species, its stem leaves are essentially entire and do not have a winged petiole.

It bears a resemblance to the related Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (Sky Blue Aster) of farther west, from which S. shortii can be distinguished by its cordate stem leaves and pubescent phyllaries.

This plant is considered present but rare in several counties of the states of Minnesota, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Plant Details

USDA Zones: 3-8

Germination Needs: 30 Days Cold Stratification

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Partial to Shade

Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-Dry

Plant Spacing: 1-1½ feet

Height: 3 feet

Bloom time: August , September, October

Bloom Color: Blue

Advantages :

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

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

Deer Resistant: No

Native to : Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

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Packet quantities:

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