Aromatic Aster

Leaf-cutter Bee, Megachile spp. on Aromatic aster, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

A native perennial autumn wildflower, aromatic aster can be found throughout a large portion of central and eastern North America. Other common names include fall aster, wild blue aster, and shale aster. These flowers reach about 50 cm (20 in) in height and bloom mounds of many-petaled purple flowers with an aromatic center. While often found in prairies, they are also common along disturbed sites. Aromatic aster tolerates dry, wet, clay, rocky, and well-drained soils as well as sun or partial shade. A number of pollinators are attracted to aromatic aster including various bees, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The seeds are consumed by upland game birds and the leaves are occasional browse for a variety of mammals.