Aster macrophyllus - 2 Gallon

Aster macrophyllus begins the growing season as a rosette of large heart shaped basal leaves.  For a month or so plants look like an attractive coarse textured groundcover. Upright stems elongate from the basal leaf mass and bear open flat topped clusters of violet blooms in late summer and fall.  Plants prosper in morning sun or dappled shade and in average well drained soils.

After a winter nap, Aster macrophyllus emerges from small colonies of underground rhizomes. Thus begins the groundcover phase where plants consist of robust rosettes of 4” to 8” toothed heart shaped leaves.

Plants transition from groundcover to wildflower when erect stems emerge. The stems usually develop a red-purple color and bear tiny sessile leaves.

Stems are topped with flat topped branched flower clusters from late summer until mid-fall.  The large flower heads consist of a ring of lavender or occasionally white petal-like ray flowers.  

Flower heads are frequented by bees and butterflies.

Plants grow 1-3’ tall with 2-3’ spread.

This Aster is no different than many others in its family – providing valuable habitat for Butterfly larva and is a nectar sources for bees, wasps, and butterflies.