Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Symphyotrichum

Species:

Symphyotrichum ×amethystinum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

Less than 6 in

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

Blue, Purple, Violet

Native Range

United States: Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Canada: Ontario

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:

moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers habitats like meadows and open woodlands