An exceptionally beautiful aster of coastal plains, dry clearings, and sandy woods, Eastern Showy Aster produces gorgeous clusters of large purple flowers with yellow centers from August-October , turning to brown tufts of wind-dispersed seeds in late fall. Leaves are firm, almost tough, and generally lanceolate, with a slight bluish cast that compliments this plant's slightly reddish stem. Tolerates drought, dry conditions, salt, and sand, actually preferring sandy soil. Attracts butterflies and many types of bee-particularly useful to pollinators because this species tends to flower until forced to stop by frost. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form modest clumps, and is quite a bit shorter than many species of aster, which makes it an excellent plant for any average to dry garden, especially if you're planting for pollinators.
1-2' tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 4b-8a
Perennial
Native Range: e MA south along the coastal states (skipping FL) to AL. Rare in CT, NY, PA, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, & AL
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