Blue Wood Aster

Scientific name

Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Description

Appearance: Leaves: The leaves are alternate and heart-shaped (hence the species name "cordifolium," meaning heart-leaved). Stems: Stems are slender, often reddish, and can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). Flowers: The flowers are daisy-like and appear in late summer to fall (August to October). Each flower has 15-25 violet-blue ray florets surrounding a yellow center. It is typically found in open woodlands, meadows, and along woodland edges from Nova Scotia to Manitoba.

Planting conditions

Blue Wood aster prefers full sun to partial shade. It generally performs best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent stress. It prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it can tolerate periods of dryness once established, consistent moisture is beneficial for optimal growth and flowering. Blue Wood aster thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It grows well in loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. Good drainage is crucial; soggy or waterlogged soils can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with compost before planting can improve fertility and moisture retention, promoting healthier growth.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 30-90 cm
• Spread:
  • 60 cm