Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Aster

Species:

Aster scaber

Growth Characteristics

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

blue, white

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Bee Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers woodland edges and grassy slopes