Symphyotrichum pilosum (Hairy Aster)

Providing a good display in the late season garden, Symphyotrichum pilosum (Hairy Aster) is a robust herbaceous perennial boasting numerous branched stems smothered by sprays of tiny star-like white flowers in late summer and fall. Rising from the stem tops and upper leaf axils, each blossom features 15-35 white rays surrounding a center disc packed with pale yellow disc flowers. The disk flowers change from yellow to reddish with age. Blooming for 4-6 weeks, the flowers are followed by a dry seed (achene) that matures in late fall and is distributed to new locations by wind. The stems are clad with alternate, lance-shaped leaves, 1-4 in. long (2-10 cm), with a smooth margin. Green above and gray below, they significantly decrease in size as they ascend the stems. After flowering, basal leaf rosettes appear and persist over winter. Both the stem and leaves are covered with fine hairs. Native to upland prairies, weedy meadows, pastures, open woodlands of North America, Hairy Aster is easy to grow, low maintenance and is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. It is, however weedy in most of the eastern U.S. and may not be suitable for small gardens due to its tendency to readily spread by seed. Hairy Aster grows well in dry conditions and in rocky or sandy soils. It is an important nectar and pollen source for many insects in the fall.

• Grows with a bushy habit, up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm). Can spread aggressively by self-seeding.
• Thrives in full sun in sandy or rocky, dry to mesic, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer areas. 
• Vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, prairies or butterfly gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Removal and disposal of seeds before maturity lessens the degree of spreading.
• Pinch stems back in late spring to early summer to control the plant size.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to North America.