Lindley's Aster

Symphyotrichum ciliolatum

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
White

Native Range

United States: Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

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)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Phaneta parmatana, Meadow Crescent (Phyciodes pratensis)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), Yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola)

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 forested or partially shaded areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Mix seeds with equal amount of moist perlite or vermiculite in a sealable plastic bag or container. Store in a refrigerator or garage (35 to 42 degrees F) for 1-2 months. Seeds can be cold stored until planted (up to 3 years).

Establishment: Seeds are collected by hand from locally native plants in the eastern central Upper Peninsula. The plant is generally found in dry to moist deciduous mix and conifer woods, especially in clearings and along borders, including adjacent roads, trails, fields, disturbed ground, dune ridges and rocky gravel.

Source: npn.rngr.net