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Rain Garden Plants: Smooth Aster

Provides a description, characteristics, site conditions, and images of smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve).

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Updated:

April 8, 2022

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Smooth Aster, Photo credit: Constance Schmotzer, Penn State Extension

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Blue to purple daisy-like flower with yellow center. Blooms into late fall and continues to provide color after hard frost. Unlike most asters, leaves are smooth to touch. Lower leaves clasp around stem. Leaves get smaller as they ascend. May need staking. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Host plant for pearl crescent butterfly.

Height: 36 to 48 inches
Bloom color: Blue to purple with a yellow center
Bloom time: August to October
Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
Salt tolerance: Medium
Spreading habit: Self-seeds