Common Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Also listed as Aster cordifolius, Symphyotrichum sagittifolium
Also known as Blue Wood Aster, Heart-leaved Aster
Climate Match for your location
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A native North American wildflower producing delicate blue to purple daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators to gardens.
Why grow it
Common Blue Wood Aster flowers later in the season than many native asters, extending pollinator resources into fall when other blooms have faded. Its heart-shaped foliage and compact growth habit make it useful for woodland edges and shade gardens where taller aster species may overshadow nearby plants. Once established, it requires minimal water and maintenance compared to non-native ornamental asters.
Watch out for
This species prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight; flowering may be sparse or plants may stretch leggy in full sun. In very moist soils or poorly draining sites, it can develop mildew or root rot, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid waterlogged conditions. Like many native asters, it may take a full growing season to become established before flowering reliably.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native North American wildflower producing delicate blue to purple daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators to gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Blue Wood Aster grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common Blue Wood Aster flowers later in the season than many native asters, extending pollinator resources into fall when other blooms have faded. Its heart-shaped foliage and compact growth habit make it useful for woodland edges and shade gardens where taller aster species may overshadow nearby plants. Once established, it requires minimal water and maintenance compared to non-native ornamental asters.
Watch out for
This species prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight; flowering may be sparse or plants may stretch leggy in full sun. In very moist soils or poorly draining sites, it can develop mildew or root rot, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid waterlogged conditions. Like many native asters, it may take a full growing season to become established before flowering reliably.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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