Smooth Blue Aster - Symphyotrichum laeve (1 Gallon)

As its common name suggests, this species has smooth leaves to the touch. It is a long-lived perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and emerges early in spring getting to a height of about 3 feet with blooms in late summer to fall.  The flowers are called light blue, but appear lavender with a yellow center.  The flower heads are about ½-3/4 inch wide. It is a non-aggressive plant  with a rhizomatous root system that allows the plant to spread slowly.  It prefers well-drained open habitat. It is very popular with pollinators. It is also the host plant for the Pearl Crescent and Silvery checkerspot butterflies.  Also known as Aster laevis.