Savannah Aster

Symphyotrichum chapmanii

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Symphyotrichum
Species:
Symphyotrichum chapmanii
USDA Symbol:
EUCH11

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
violet, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Occurs in fire-maintained wet pine savannas; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers coastal habitats with high humidity

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 60-90 days; surface sow on moist medium.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI