Symphyotrichum laeve, Smooth Blue Aster


Smooth Blue Aster with pollinator

Smooth Blue Aster is another of my favorite asters (I probably say that to all the Asters). This one has somewhat glaucous, blue-gray leaves that are nearly hairless, therefore smooth, and bigger-than-most lavender-blue aster flowers with yellow disks that turn reddish-purple with age. It grows in similar conditions to the wispier, smaller blue-flowered Sky Blue aster.

Blooms: blue-lavender with yellow disc, August to October

Height: 28 to 36 inches

Conditions: sun to pt shade, medium to medium dry soils