Aromatic Aster - Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Asters are a top wildflower for wildlife, serving as larval host to more than 100 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars in North America. Aromatic Aster gets its common name from the spicy scent of its foliage when crushed. A bushy Sun-loving aster, large violet daisy flowers bloom late summer into October. Asters are key pollinator plants that provide rare late-season nectar to diverse insects. Aromatic Aster is larval host to Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterflies and numerous moths. Asters provide essential winter forage to native sparrows and other birds. Leave seedheads in winter. Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Gravel Soil Conditions: MediumDry-Dry Flower Color: Violet Flower time: August-October Height: 2' Light: Sun Features: Birds, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of illinoiswildflowers.info