Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (White Panicle Aster)

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (White Panicle Aster) is a robust herbaceous perennial boasting numerous branched stems smothered by sprays of tiny star-like white flowers from mid-summer to fall. Rising from the stem tops and upper leaf axils, each blossom features 20-40 white rays surrounding a center disc packed with pale yellow disc flowers. The disk flowers change from yellow to reddish with age. The blossoms are pollinated by bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, and moths. Blooming for 4-8 weeks, the flowers are followed by a dry seed (achene) that matures in late fall and is distributed to new locations by the wind. The stems are clad with alternate, narrowly lanceolate leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), sometimes irregularly toothed along the edges. Medium to medium-dark green above and paler below, they significantly decrease in size as they ascend the stems. Native to wet prairies, low wet depressions, and along streams of North America, White Panicle Aster is easy to grow, low maintenance, and is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. However, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and form dense colonies. It is best used in moist prairies and meadows.

• Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in moist, sandy, loamy and clay, well-drained soils. Tolerates partial shade and poor soils.
• A vital ingredient of late summer and fall native plant gardens, prairies, or butterfly gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust or powdery mildew.
• Propagation by seed. Seeds should be sown fresh in the fall or spring. Pre-chill spring sown seeds to improve germination
• Division of this species should be done in the spring or fall.
• Native to North America.