short's aster

Garden uses

Attracts

Notes

Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii) is a perennial for woodland and meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Purple flowers open in early to mid autumn, and their yellow centers turn brick red after pollination. It self-sows and spreads, but individual plants are short-lived. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms, and birds eat the seeds.

Pairs well with Victory hosta, American mountain mint, and Canada wild rye.

Native range