Barrens Silky Aster Symphyotrichum pratense

Barrens silky aster is a perennial plant native to the central and southeastern U.S.A. in the Asteraceae (daisy) family.  It is found in meadows, open woodlands, savannahs, pastures, ravines, ditches, and disturbed sites.  Plant it in partial shade in dry soil.  It withstands a wide variety of soil types.  It has showy blue purple flowers that appear in the fall.  This plant easily self-seeds or it can be grown by seeding but it does better with cold and moist seed stratification.  It can also be divided in the early spring or late fall or stem cuttings can be rooted in well-draining medium when there is new tender growth.