Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black' (calico aster)

'Lady in Black' is a very striking plant, with its dark, purplish-black foliage and its burst of tiny white flowers with rosy centers in late summer/early fall. Tough and adaptable to sun or part shade and to dry or average soils. In shade, the plants will be more open and airy, with fewer flowers and leaves that are not as intensely purple. 'Lady in Black' may not yet be common in American gardens, but it was one of the top-ranked asters in the Chicago Botanic Garden's trials. Grows 3–4' tall with a 3' spread. 

'Lady in Black' is a Dutch nativar of our native calico aster. It attracts pollinators and songbirds and is deer-resistant. Host plant for caterpillars of the pearl crescent and checkerspot butterflies. 

Photo from Wikimedia Commons