A native aster with smooth blue-green leaves and pale blue-violet flowers. Long bloom period (August-October) provides crucial late-season nectar.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Symphyotrichum laeve is a flowering plant native to Canada, the United States, and Coahuila (Mexico). It has the common names of smooth blue aster, smooth aster, smooth-leaved aster, glaucous Michaelmas-daisy and glaucous aster.
Source: Wikipedia — Symphyotrichum laeve Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tall plant; smooth leaves; pale blue ray flowers in arching clusters in fall.
Similar species. Other native asters (different leaves or ranges).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Native aster of woodland edges. Smooth leaves distinguish from other asters.
§ Range
Eastern and central US
§ Habitat
Open meadows, prairies, fields
§ Threats
Habitat loss, garden monocultures.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the smooth blue aster is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native asters. Skip pesticides. Maintain meadow corners.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Symphyotrichum laeve
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Symphyotrichum laeve
- iNaturalist · taxon 126829
- IUCN Red List — search for Symphyotrichum laeve
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Symphyotrichum laeve
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Native Plant Trust
