Short's Blue Wood Aster

Symphyotrichum shortii

Short's blue wood aster is one of the finest native asters for woodland edge and light shade conditions. The flowers are a true, clear blue-violet -- not the washed-out lavender-white of some asters -- with bright yellow centers that turn reddish-brown as they age, adding warmth to the display. They open in September and October when monarchs and migrating butterflies need late fuel, and the seed heads that follow attract goldfinches and chickadees through the winter. The foliage is heart-shaped at the base, which gives a softer, more rounded texture than narrow-leaved asters. It tolerates more shade than most fall-blooming natives, making it valuable for the woodland edge position where summer-shaded plants need a fall closer. A worthy workhorse for the fall garden.