Symphyotrichum georgianum

Synonym(s)

(Aster georgianus, Aster patens var. georgianus)

Common Name(s)

Georgia Aster

Phonetic Spelling

sim-fy-oh-TRY-kum jorj-ee-AY-num

Description

Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) occurs (occered) in Florida, the plant occurs only in Leon County and is a state-listed threatened species. It is also found in a few counties in Alabama, Georgia and North and South Carolina. It is resident to well-drained soils; the edges and openings within deciduous upland forests and in cleared areas such as roadway right-of-ways.

Threats to survival include elimination of habitat disturbance such as fire. Other threats include road construction and herbicide application.

This plant may be used in perennial borders or native meadow gardens. Bees and pollinators frequently visit this food source along with small mammals and deer.

It is not a particularly beautiful foliage plant. Its large, almost gangly growth form and its rough elliptical leaves are not especially interesting. It makes up for that, however, by its brilliant blue flowers. The ray petals are a rich purple-blue that is matched by no other wildflower; a bit like eastern silver aster, but richer. The disc flowers are white and turn reddish as they age. Each flower head is more than 1 inch across and large numbers are produced at any one time. Symphyotrichum flowers are of great interest to butterflies and bees, and this species is no exception.

Family

Asteraceae

Native Range

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Hardiness Zone(s)

4a --to-- 9b

Lifespan/Type

Herbaceous, Perennial, Long-lived

Habitats

It prefers full sun in well-drained soils.

Exposure

Full Sun

Growth Habit

1–3′ tall and spreading

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained, acidic sandy or clay soils

Propagation

Seeds and division

Moisture

Dry

Salt Tolerance

Low/None

Recommended Uses

It is a wonderful choice for planting in a perennial border or in a native meadow garden.

Pot Size

4in. Pot (19.4 fl. oz./0.57 L)