Side-Flowering Aster Aster lateriflorus
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
- Phonetic Spelling
- ASS-ter lat-er-ih-FLOOR-us
- Description
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The Calico Aster is a bushy herbaceous perennial that is typically found in moist meadows, woodlands, and near rivers, and swamps. It grows about 2-3 feet tall and has small showy white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. It is a member of the Asteraceae or Aster Family.
The plant is native to central and eastern North America from Canada to Mexico.
The Calico Aster prefers light shade and moist conditions in rich loamy or clay soils. They are tolerant of occasional flooding. Dry weather will cause the leaves to wither and cause plant stress.
The Calico Aster is a low-maintenance perennial. The flowers attract butterflies and would be a perfect addition to a partially shaded cottage or pollinator garden.
Insects, Disease, and Other Plant Problems:
There are no serious insect or disease problems. Observe for verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and gray molds. Due to its growth habit, the plant may require some support.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Lady in Black'
Small white petal flowers, rosy-pink center disk, purple stems and leaves
- 'Lady in Black'
- 'Lady in Black'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Lady in Black'
Small white petal flowers, rosy-pink center disk, purple stems and leaves
- 'Lady in Black'
- 'Lady in Black'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Aster
- Species:
- lateriflorus
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Canada to Mexico
- Distribution:
- Native: USA--AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, and WI; Canada--Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec; Mexico Gulf; Introduced: France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Wildlife Value:
- Butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Elk, deer, and rabbits browse and eat the leaves. Birds feed on the seeds.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Easy to Grow
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasional Flooding
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- The achenes have small tufts of white to pinkish hair. The wind disperses the seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowerhead is about 1/3 inch to 1/2 in diameter. Each flowerhead has multiple small disk florets that pale yellow and transition to brown or reddish-purple. Eight to twelve white petal rays encircle the florets. The ray color may rarely be pink or violet. Three to four layers of bracts surround the base of the flower. They bloom from late summer to fall.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are medium green on the upper surfaces and light green on the undersides. The upper surface is smooth to slightly rough. The lower surface has short hairs along the midvein. The leaves are alternate and measure up to 4.5 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. Their shape is lanceolate or elliptic, but they become more linear near the flowerheads. The leaf margins are usually entire, but some of the leaf tips may have shallow teeth.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems may be single or multiples. They have soft white hair, and they may be erect or arching. The young stems are green. As the plant matures, the stems become reddish-brown.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
