Calico Aster
Family: Asteraceae (Aster
Family)
·
Height: 2-3 feet
·
Spread: 2-3 feet
·
Bloom Time: August to
October
·
Bloom: loose clusters of small (about
1/3 inch) white to pale lavender daisy-like flowers with cream to purple
centers; on one side of branch only; dry seeds with tufts of whitish hairs,
dispersed by wind
·
Light: full sun to
part shade; (stressed by full sun in absence of continuous moisture)
·
Soil: average loam,
sand, clay; salt tolerant
·
Moisture: medium to
medium dry; tolerates periodic flooding
·
Use: mass for
naturalizing; borders; moist woodland, meadow, pollinator gardens; cut flower;
attracts butterflies and native bees; larval host for several species of
butterflies
·
Care: low
maintenance; tall stems may need support; pinch stems back in late spring/early
summer for more compact plant
·
Concerns: no serious
insect or disease problems
·
Native to: eastern North
America; Wisconsin native
·
Notes: bushy
perennial; erect main stems branch at top; narrow lance-shaped dark green
leaves (up to 6 in. long) decrease in size as they ascend; stems & leaf
mid-veins covered with soft white hairs; leaves turn coppery in late summer;
tolerant of black walnut
·
Supplier: Agrecol Native
Nursery
·
Teaching Garden
Location & Code: Demonstration
Prairie I039
Content produced through:
Questions?
