Aster, Aromatic

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Aromatic aster is a perennial found distributed in upland areas across the eastern ¾ of the United States from New York west to Montana and south to Texas. It grows best in well-drained moist to dry soils of many types with full or partial sun exposure, growing to a height of 1-3 feet. Blooming from September-October, the purple flowers with yellow centers give way to hairy achenes. Aromatic aster spreads mainly by stolons and can cause large colonies if allowed to spread uncontrolled. Many pollinators and insects utilize the plant and gamebirds feed on the seeds in the fall which makes aromatic aster a good choice for wildlife habitat restoration projects.