This genus has 186 species and is restricted to those asters native to Europe and Asia. They are a member of the Asteraceae family. Botanists have reclassified this genus after studying the plant's morphology and DNA. The species native to North America, formerly included in Aster , belong to two other genera, Symphyotrichum and Eurybia. The common name remains aster for all the genera. The genus name is Greek, meaning "star," and refers to the appearance of flowers. They can be erect to mounding in form and grow 6 inches to 8 feet tall. Soil, sun and moisture requirements may vary per species. They may be propagated by seeds, division, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Asters have daisy-like heads of flowers with disc florets surrounded by ray florets and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. They typically bloom in the late summer and fall adding color to the garden as the seasons change. The species available in this country would be a lovely addition to any home garden. They may be planted in a container, in a cottage garden or the border. Butterflies and bees will appreciate the flowers, particularly as summer ends and the evenings get cooler. Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: No significant problems. Watch for lace bugs, mites, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Rusts, powdery mildew, downy mildew, leaf spots, and Verticillium wilt can occur. VIDEO: Part of the Native Plant Picks series from the North Carolina Sea Grant led Coastal Landscapes Initiative .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The plants have basal and cauline leaves. Depending on the species, the leaf shape, margins, and surfaces of the leaf may vary. The leaf shape may be elliptical, lanceolate, linear, oblanceolate, ovate, or spatulate. The margins may be entire, crenate, or serrate. The upper leaf surface may be smooth or hairy.
Flower color
Blue; Gold/Yellow; Pink; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Good Cut; Long Bloom Season; Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Radial
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The flowers are daisy-like. The disc florets may be yellow to white. As the flower matures, the disc florets become purplish to reddish-pink. The rays vary in number and may be white, pink, blue, or purple. They bloom from late summer to fall.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; White
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit detail
The seeds or achenes are ellipsoid or obovoid in shape and have white or brown tufts of hair or pappus. The wind disperses the seeds.
Stem detail
The stems are ascending to erect. They may be singular or branched distally. The stems are usually hairy distally, but they are often smooth proximally.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe and Asia
Wildlife value
The flowers attract butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbits may browse the plants and eat the foliage.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds; Small Mammals; Songbirds