Symphyotrichum shortii, or Short's Aster, is a native North American perennial that adds a touch of delicate beauty to the fall garden. This aster species typically grows 2-4 feet tall and wide, forming an upright, branching clump of thin, lance-shaped leaves. The plant's foliage has a distinctive dark green hue and tends to be slightly hairy, giving the leaves a soft texture. In late summer to fall, Short's Aster is covered in a purple mist of blooms in a forest or shady garden. The centers of the flowers start out yellow but turn brick red after pollination, creating an eye-catching display that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps. Adaptable and shade-tolerant, Symphyotrichum shortii thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil conditions. Its upright, branching habit makes it well-suited for use in woodland gardens, along shaded borders, or naturalized in moist meadows and prairies. The plant will self-sow and spread throughout an area, but individual plants are short-lived.
|
Tags |
Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Dry, Full Shade, Good for Rain Garden, Illinois Native, Native to North America, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall
|