Sky Blue Aster Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

Skyblue aster is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) that is native to eastern North America but not North Carolina. Its primary range is in central United States. In its native habitat, it can be found growing along roadsides, prairies and open woods in mesic to dry conditions on sandy, clay or rocky soils. Symphyotrichum comes from the Greek words symph and trich meaning coming together and hair which refers to the flower anthers. The species name, oolentangiensis, refers to the Olentangy River in Ohio where it was discovered.

It prefers full sun and is adaptable to a variety of soils if it is well-drained. Skyblue aster only requires average watering. The plant can reach 2 feet tall and wide. The blue to lavender daisy-like flowers bloom in the fall. The flowers are usually sparsely arranged on the multi-branched upper stems creating a cone or vase shape. Sometimes the flowers are densely clustered which causes the plant to arch.

Skyblue aster is endangered in some native areas due to over mowing of the prairies and roadsides. It is a showy fall-blooming flower which is easy to grow. It is non-aggressive even though it self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes. It is drought-tolerant and can even grow in shallow-rocky soil. It is more sun-tolerant than other blue-violet asters.

It is an erect, dense clump with 1 to 5 or more stems that grow well in meadows, rock gardens or perennial borders. It is valuable for prairie restoration projects. Skyblue aster attracts butterflies, native bees, skippers, and wasps. Insects,

Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No known serious insect or disease problems. It may develop powdery mildew if there is poor air circulation.