Western Meadow Aster

Symphyotrichum campestre

Western Meadow Aster

Matt Lavin

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Symphyotrichum
Species:
Symphyotrichum campestre

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
Yellow, Violet

Native Range

United States: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia

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)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Forest bumble bee (Bombus sylvicola), Forest bumble bee (Bombus sylvicola)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open prairies and plains

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o