Aster cordifolius (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) (blue wood aster)

Blue wood aster is a treat for the fall shade garden, displaying billowy light blue daisy-like flowers when the rest of the garden is looking a little tired. Grows 2–3' tall by the same wide. Heart-shaped leaves at ground level provide an attractive groundcover in spring. Flowers from August to October. Spreads via short rhizomes as well through wind-dispersed seeds. Prefers a partially shaded site, but will tolerate sun or shade. This is a tough and adaptable plant that can flourish in a variety of soil types. 

Common blue wood aster is native to central and eastern North America. It is found in rich, moist upland meadows and forests. Like all asters, each flower "head" of blue wood aster consists of many tiny flowers that bloom gradually over a period of weeks, offering nectar and pollen to a variety of flower visitors. At the center of the wood aster's flower head is a tiny tubular disk of pale yellow flowers that turn pink or magenta as they age and when they have been successfull pollinated. This color change signals pollinators that those blossoms will not reward them with nectar. This evolutionary adaptation makes the plant and the pollinators more efficient. (Source: the-natural-web.org) Attracts lots of late-season pollinating insects. Provides winter food and habitat for many birds and small mammals that eat the seeds and find shelter in the dried stalks. Asters in general are the host plant for many species of moths and butterflies. Seedheads in fall and winter attract goldfinches, chickadees, nuthatches, and towhees.

Photo by Kathy Thornton

**Note: You will be asked upon checkout to create an account. This is optional and is not required to process payment or to register.**