Genus
Symphyotrichum
The Symphyotrichum genus in the Plotwright catalog — 3 species: Aromatic aster, New England aster, Smooth blue aster. Open any for hardiness, native range, wildlife value, and growing guidance.
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
Aromatic aster
A native central + eastern US perennial with intensely aromatic foliage when crushed and dense clouds of small blue-purple flowers in late fall — often the latest-blooming aster in the eastern flora. Drought + clay tolerant; among the toughest native fall pollinator plants.
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
New England aster
A late-blooming native perennial with purple daisy flowers that fuel fall pollinators when other plants are fading.
Symphyotrichum laeve
Smooth blue aster
A native North American perennial with smooth blue-green foliage and clouds of small blue-violet starry flowers in fall. Tolerates drought + clay; among the most adaptable native fall asters for residential landscapes.