Eastern Silver Aster (Symphyotrichum concolor)

Description:  A long-lived aster with ¾” blue/lavender/pink flowers borne on erect or leaning 2-4' stems.  Typically blooms in autumn.

Natural Habitat:  A rock pineland plant in Miami-Dade, less common elsewhere in South/Central Florida, but widespread in the Panhandle and SE coastal plain. 

Planting and Care:   Prefers average moisture, but relatively tolerant of drought once established. Flowers best with abundant sun but also in partial shade.

Best to plant in relative proximity to shorter grasses or other wildflowers, where the flower stems obtain support, or prop them with stakes to get best display, otherwise stems tend to lean or sprawl.  Can trim branches to ground level yearly. 

Pros:  Hardy, tolerates a variety of soil conditions.  Beautiful autumn flower display, . Attracts butterflies and other native pollinators.

Cons:  Not much, except tendency of flower spikes to lean over if unsupported.

Photos 1 &2 copyright Roger Hammer