Aster laevis (Symphyotrichum laeve) 'Bluebird' (smooth aster)

'Blue Bird' is a cultivar of smooth blue aster with arching stems that produce 1" lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers at the tips. It grows 3–4' tall in full sun and can tolerate dry soils. It blooms in September and October for more than four weeks. 'Blue Bird' has clean foliage with good mildew resistance. Good for perennial borders, cottage gardens, and meadows. Top rated by Mt. Cuba Center's garden evaluation of the genus. Deer resistant.

Smooth aster is native to Canada, the United States, and Mexico, growing in fields, open woods, and along roadsides in rocky or dry soil and full sun. It is pollinated by many native bees and attracts butterflies. It is a larval host for the pearl crescent butterfly.