Heart-leaved aster
Herbaceous perennial reaching 60-120 cm tall. Features heart-shaped lower leaves and numerous small, pale blue to lavender daisy-like flowers blooming September-October. Prefers well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun. Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. Attracts late-season pollinators. Suitable for woodland edges, naturalized areas, and fall-blooming gardens. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Pale Blue to Lavender
Bloom Time: Late-Summer to Fall
Sun Requirements: Part-Sun to Shade
Moisture: Moist-Drained to Dry
Phenology: Growth emerges May. Leaves fully developed by July. Blue-lavender flowers appear September-October. Seeds mature late October.
Wildlife Value: Important late season nectar source; seeds eaten by songbirds; provides cover; larval host for butterflies
Habit Over Time: Spreads steadily through rhizomes to form loose colonies in partly shaded conditions. While it can cover considerable ground over time, its open growth pattern allows other shade-tolerant plants to grow between stems. Self-seeds modestly but not invasively.
Height: Medium to Tall (2-4 feet)