Tatarian Aster
Aster tataricus
- Native to:
- China, Japan, Korea, Russia
Wikimedia: Pascalou petit
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Aster
- Species:
- Aster tataricus
- USDA Symbol:
- ASTA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, lavender, blue
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Oidaematophorus occidentalis, Charidryas hoffmanni, Meadow Crescent (Phyciodes pratensis), Palla (Charidryas palla)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to riverbanks and moist meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow or barely cover. May have variable germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.