Serpentine Aster
Symphyotrichum depauperatum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Symphyotrichum
- Species:
- Symphyotrichum depauperatum
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:
- White, Pink, Yellow
Native Range
United States: Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
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
Arcigera Flower Moth (Schinia arcigera), clover cutworm (Agrotis gladiaria), Coleophora astericola, Coleophora ericoides, Coleophora polemoniella, Cucullia alfarata, dingy cutworm (Feltia jaculifera), Gnorimoschema subterranea, kidney-spotted minor (Lacinipolia renigera), Lacinipolia meditata, Orthodes crenulata, Pale-banded Dart (Agnorisma badinodis), Peppered Moth (Biston betularia), Pseudorthodes vecors, Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), Meadow Crescent (Phyciodes pratensis), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky, open areas with sparse vegetation
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Mix the seeds with an equal amount of either perlite or vermiculite in a sealable plastic bag or container. Store in a cold environment (35-42°F) for 1-2 months. Seed germinates in light, so it should be surface-sown.
Establishment: Seeds are collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula or in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Seed is small and difficult to sow evenly. If pappus is left on the seed, sow in clumps. If pappus has been removed, cleaned seed can be mixed with talc and sown using a salt shaker.
Source: npn.rngr.net