Aromatic Aster - Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Phonetic:  sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum ob-long-ee-FOH-lee-um

Aromatic aster—is a hardy, late-blooming native perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained to moderately dry soils. It is particularly tolerant of drought once established, making it well-suited to prairies, rocky slopes, and open meadows. While it can adapt to medium soil moisture, it performs best in sunny, lean soils where competition from taller plants is limited. Its sun-loving nature allows it to produce dense foliage and abundant blooms, and too much shade can reduce flowering and lead to floppier growth

Aromatic aster forms low, bushy mounds typically one to two feet tall, with woody bases and aromatic foliage that releases a pleasant scent when brushed. From late summer through fall, it is covered in masses of lavender to violet-blue daisy-like flowers with golden centers, creating a striking display when many other plants have stopped blooming. It spreads gradually through short rhizomes, forming neat colonies without becoming overwhelming. The dense habit makes it an excellent groundcover in sunny borders or naturalized plantings, and it helps stabilize soil in open or disturbed sites.

Aromatic Aster is highly valuable to native pollinators, providing one of the last major nectar sources of the season for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It supports a range of native bees, including bumblebees and sweat bees, and serves as a host plant for the larvae of the pearl crescent butterfly and several checkerspot species. Its late-season blooms are critical for sustaining pollinators preparing for winter. In gardens, it fits beautifully in native restorations, pollinator gardens, and sunny borders where low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants are desired.

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Flower Color: Blue/Purple
• Bloom Time: August through October
• Soil Type: Medium Dry - Dry
• Mature Plant Size: 2'H, 2'W
• Plant Spacing: 2'
• Host Plant: Silvery Checkerspot, Pearl Crescent 
• Attracts: Bees, birds, butterflies
• Advantages: Drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, poor soil, erosion control.
• Landscape Uses: Hedge, meadow, mass planting, cut flower
• Companion Plants: Showy Goldenrod, Black Eyed Susan, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem