Symphyotrichum laeve

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-8, 24-36" x 18", full to part sun (maybe high, light shade), clusters of small, charming daisy-like purple blooms with yellow centers over glaucous foliage in mid summer to early fall. Likes a sunny, well-drained position, but is quite adaptable to both medium moisture and dry soils. 

Common names: Smooth Blue Aster

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: Central and eastern portions of North America, these plants were grown from seed collected in New England. Native to Maine

Habitat: rocky glades, dry open or lightly shaded woodlands, prairies, roadsides, drier thickets

More: This is a very pretty, non-aggressive aster that won't take over the place, so it's a welcome participant in your sunny pollinator border offering late summer nectar and a long bloom time. It is adaptable and easy-going and I think it will be lovely in a bouquet if I can bear to cut it. Will self-sow if happy.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Close up of flower by Frank Mayfield via Creative Commons through the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox