Wildflower of the Week - Asters

Easily recognized in summer and fall by their daisy-like flowers, the genus Aster represents over 250 species, most of which botanists have re-categorized into other genera such as Symphyotrichum and Eurybia. Like milkweeds and most goldenrods, Asters need not be pampered other than providing good drainage and full sun. They can also tolerate some shade. Asters are seen most often along woods edges and roadsides in the fall, blooming until deep frost. Some are branching and sprawling, others tall and still, forming big clumps.

Planted in drifts either in the border or in the wild garden, with the smaller types used as edging, asters should be in every gardener’s collection. They even succeed in a rock garden and make especially attractive combinations when mixed with ornamental grasses, also blooming in late fall. Asters make good cut flowers.

Propagation for all is usually by division, either in spring or fall. They easily hybridize, and many bees and insects will be seen on the blossoms until the air is too cold.

Calico aster (Symphyotrichum laterifolium) is a late-blooming species; while the blooming season is best August-October, the plant can be seen well into November, when the fall weather is relatively mild. This species grows wild in nearly every county in Virginia, south to Florida, and west to Minnesota, eastern Kansas and Texas.