Common Blue Wood Aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Blue Wood Aster is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 3 feet tall. It has narrow, alternate leaves with a toothed margin. Pale blue to violet flowers bloom in large, loose panicles.

A low maintenance perennial native to eastern and central North America the blue wood aster is commonly found naturalized in woodlands, meadows, or stream banks.  It can be weedy as it self-seeds very easily.

Pinching back the stems will lead to a bushier plant and hopefully avoid the need for staking.  The foliage tends to decline by late summer and it can be cut to the ground to avoid any self-seeding and also to help with appearance.

Grows in average, dry to moist (prefers moist), well-drained soils.  It does not tolerate poorly drained locations.  It can be found in part shade locations as it tolerates shade well.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spots, or rust. Aster wilt can also be an occasional problem if plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils.  Good air circulation helps reduce the incidence of foliar diseases. Taller plants may require staking or other support.