Smooth Blue Aster Symphyotrichum laeve

Smooth blue aster gets its name from its smooth leaves. Many other asters (and many other prairie plants in general!) have leaves that are rough to the touch. For example, a very close visual cousin of smooth blue aster is sky blue aster, but a dead giveaway is feeling the leaves. Sky blue aster will be noticeably rough by comparison. Smooth blue aster is a lovely late bloomer that is right as home complimenting the golden colors of the goldenrods that bloom at the same time.

Many pollinators are attracted to its flowers, including the Silvery Checkerspot and the Pearl Crescent butterflies for which it is a host plant.

Life Cycle: Perennial
Size: 4 feet
Sun: Full, Partial
Soil: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: August-October
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