Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve

Formerly Aster laevis. Native rhizomatous perennial with pale blue to purple flowers, blooming from July to October. Widely adapted, occurring on various soils in moist woods to dry open prairies and grasslands up to 9,500 ft. elevation. Often dominant under stands of quaking aspen. Use for mixedgrass and tallgrass prairie restoration and roadsides. Preferred by whitetail deer. Pollinated by late-season butterflies.