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Symphyotrichum georgianum

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Aster georgianus
  • Aster patens var. georgianus
Phonetic Spelling
sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum
Description

Georgia Aster is a native wildflower in the daisy family.  It is typically found in dry rocky woodlands or in disturbed areas. Threats to survival include elimination of habitat disturbance such as fire. Other threats include road construction and herbicide application.

It prefers full sun in well-drained soils. This plant may be used in perennial borders or native meadow gardens.  Bees and pollinators frequently visit this food source along with small mammals and deer.

Propagation: cold stratified for three months or by seed.

Pests: No serious pest problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#NC native#whorled#native wildflower#clumping#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#NC native#whorled#native wildflower#clumping#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Symphyotrichum
    Species:
    georgianum
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    SE USA
    Distribution:
    Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Symphyotrichum support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) asteris, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) asteroides, Andrena (Cnemidandrena) hirticincta, Andrena (Cnemidandrena) nubecula, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) placata, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) simplex, and Colletes simulans.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Dry,seed-like, hairy, less than 1/8 inch long. Displays from November to December
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    2-3 inch wide purplish to violet ray flowers surrounds the white to purplish disc flowers. Blooms from October to November
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Soft
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Oblanceolate
    Oblong
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Oblong to lance-shaped green leaves up to 3 inches long by 3/4 inch wide have smooth to serrated margins
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Cream/Tan
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Bud Terminal:
    Only 1 terminal bud, larger than side buds
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds