Aromatic Aster
Photo by Matt Whitaker
Scientific Description: Aromatic Aster – Symphyotrichum oblongifolium – is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family and is native to much of the eastern and central areas of the United States. This herbaceous perennial prefers drier, poor soils and full sun, but it can tolerate moist or wet soils, so long as they are well drained. This plant’s stiff stems grow to a height of about two-three feet (and similar spread) and branch repeatedly from the basal rosette of leaves.
The showy flowers of Aromatic Aster have blue or purple petals with a yellow button-like center flower and don’t show until very late in the autumn – late August through October. Contrary to the common name, this species’ flowers are NOT fragrant; however, the leaves are, with a sweet, pungent smell.
This species requires a medium amount of annual maintenance and is often used as a ground cover. It does best in Hardiness Zones 3 – 8. While it has no major disease or insect problems, this species can be susceptible to mildew, often a result of limited air movement.
Photo by Matt Whitaker
Habitat Value: This species attracts many pollinators, including bees, butterflies and other insects, as well as small birds (feeding on the small seeds), and small mammals. It mostly reproduces via stolons, underground stems that emerge from the soil some distance from the mother plant and begin a new plant.
Landscape Value: By Matt Whitaker of WMWA Landscape Architects
Aromatic aster is one of our last blooming native flowers providing pollinator forage late into October, when there is little else available. Aster blooms are also welcomed by people missing the vast flowers of summer. The leaves and stems are fragrant elements that give it its name. Aromatic aster is also extremely drought tolerant and vigorous. All of this puts it at the top of my perennial list. Plants also get large and should be planted at two-foot spacing, which is a bonus for your budget. Some cultivars and the species do get leggier and may need a late spring pruning.
October Skies has replaced Raydon’s Favorite as my favorite cultivar, in part because it stays lower and does not need to be pruned. There is much misunderstanding about plant cultivars. Many are selections from the wild that had superior characteristics and are not the result of breeding programs. The vast majority are not sterile or lacking in seed or nectar, so they provide all the ecosystem benefits. While they do limit genetic diversity in the larger landscape, they provide a lot of benefit by displaying qualities that most homeowners want, ultimately making the case for removal of non-native ornamentals and lawn easier and increasing overall diversity. The diversity among individual plant species can also be addressed by using multiple cultivars and, where appropriate, the straight species in our gardens and landscapes.
Matt’s Virginia garden
