Symphyotrichum undulatum

The wavy leaf aster is a herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) native to central and eastern North America including North Carolina. It can be found in open deciduous woods, borders, clearings, dry hammocks, sandhills, roadsides, and open-wooded bluffs. The genus name Symphyotrichum comes from Greek words meaning “to grow together” and “hair” which may be a reference to the flower anthers. The specific epithet undulatum is Latin for “wavy” which refers to the leaf appearance.

This aster prefers partial shade or dappled sun, but tolerates full sun. They are easy to grow in multiple conditions and thrive in dry rocky conditions.  The loose cluster of small daisy-like lavender flowers grow on 1 – 4 feet erect stems and 1 – 2 feet wide clumps.  You can trim them in the summer if they grow too tall.  The wavy leaf aster can spread via rhizomes or seeds.

It is one of the few pollinator plants available late in the season.  It provides pollen and nectar for insects in the fall.  It is a host plant for several caterpillars.

The wavy leaf aster is a great addition to a partial shade native or woodland garden.  You can include them in a mass planting design in difficult to grow locations like rocky slopes.  It is valuable in a pollinator garden because it blooms later than other plants. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Deer occasionally cause damage.  It is a host plant for many caterpillars which some may consider a problem when they eat the leaves.  No significant diseases or pests.