Symphyotrichum lateriflorum- Side-flowering Aster

Side-flowering Aster stands out among asters with its distinctive flowering habit, wherein the flowers are densely packed along the sides of its horizontal stems instead of in clusters at the very tops. Its delicate star-like blooms are also notably smaller than other asters’, lending it an elegant appearance while providing food for short-tongued bees that cannot reach the nectar of other, larger blooms. They are an invaluable late-season food source for pollinators when most other plants have finished flowering.  It is a particularly versatile plant that tolerates all light conditions and most types of soil. Another name for this species is Calico Aster, for the wide-ranging colors of its floral centers.

Sun: Full, Partial, Shade

Soil: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry

Bloom Time: August, September, October

Color: White

Height: 2 ft