Silky Aster

Symphyotrichum sericeum Commonly known as Silky Aster or Western Silky Aster.   A herbaceous perennial of the aster family native to dry open places in the central plains (woods, bluffs, prairies, glades) of North America primarily ranging from Michigan, Ontario, Manitoba and North Dakota south to Ohio, Missouri, Texas and New Mexico. Silky Aster features a profuse bloom of daisy-like flowers (to 1.5” diameter) from late summer to early fall, each flower featuring lavender to purple rays surrounding a yellow center. Both the stems and the leaves are gray-green but covered with silvery-white silky hairs which give the foliage an extremely attractive appearance, hence the common name of silky aster.   Great for native plant gardens, borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or butterfly gardens. Good plant for dry open places. Easily grown in acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. May self-seed in the garden.   Height: 1'-3'Spread: 1'-3'Bloom: August-Oc