Short's Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)
Symphyotrichum shortii, commonly known as Short’s Aster, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded slopes throughout much of Illinois. It thrives in partial shade and medium to dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalized shade gardens and woodland restorations.
This clump-forming aster typically grows 2 to 3.5 feet tall and features heart-shaped, toothed basal leaves and smooth, winged stems. From late summer into fall, it produces a profusion of starry, pale lavender to bluish-violet flowers with yellow centers that turn reddish as they age. The blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and late-season insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Symphyotrichum shortii is a valuable and showy addition to shade-tolerant native plantings. It provides crucial late-season nectar, supports wildlife, and adds soft, airy texture to the fall garden. It pairs well with other woodland-edge species like Zigzag Goldenrod, Wild Geranium, and Woodland Sunflower for a richly layered and ecologically functional native planting.
Symphyotrichum shortii, commonly known as Short’s Aster, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded slopes throughout much of Illinois. It thrives in partial shade and medium to dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalized shade gardens and woodland restorations.
This clump-forming aster typically grows 2 to 3.5 feet tall and features heart-shaped, toothed basal leaves and smooth, winged stems. From late summer into fall, it produces a profusion of starry, pale lavender to bluish-violet flowers with yellow centers that turn reddish as they age. The blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and late-season insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Symphyotrichum shortii is a valuable and showy addition to shade-tolerant native plantings. It provides crucial late-season nectar, supports wildlife, and adds soft, airy texture to the fall garden. It pairs well with other woodland-edge species like Zigzag Goldenrod, Wild Geranium, and Woodland Sunflower for a richly layered and ecologically functional native planting.
Symphyotrichum shortii, commonly known as Short’s Aster, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded slopes throughout much of Illinois. It thrives in partial shade and medium to dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalized shade gardens and woodland restorations.
This clump-forming aster typically grows 2 to 3.5 feet tall and features heart-shaped, toothed basal leaves and smooth, winged stems. From late summer into fall, it produces a profusion of starry, pale lavender to bluish-violet flowers with yellow centers that turn reddish as they age. The blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and late-season insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Symphyotrichum shortii is a valuable and showy addition to shade-tolerant native plantings. It provides crucial late-season nectar, supports wildlife, and adds soft, airy texture to the fall garden. It pairs well with other woodland-edge species like Zigzag Goldenrod, Wild Geranium, and Woodland Sunflower for a richly layered and ecologically functional native planting.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: areas along woodland paths; limestone bluffs; mesic to upland woodlands; rocky open woodlands and slopes; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry-mesic
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3.5 feet)
Requirements: partial sun
Soil: loam or with some rocky material with decaying organic matter