swamp aster
Symphyotrichum puniceum
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size6 to 7 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Swamp aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum) is a perennial for rain gardens and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet soil. It grows 72 to 84 inches tall and has bristly, purplish stems. Light-violet to violet-blue petals surround a yellow center in mid to late summer and again in autumn. Butterflies visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Swamp milkweed, Pickerel weed, and Royal fern.
Native range
AL, CT, DC, DE, and 36 more places. See all 40
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, and SK.