Jessica's Aster
Symphyotrichum jessicae
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Symphyotrichum
- Species:
- Symphyotrichum jessicae
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow, Violet
Native Range
United States: Idaho, Washington
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:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky outcrops and slopes
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seed ripens in September and October. It is collected when the pappus begins to expand. Seed is brown in color and wind disseminated, so must be collected before it blows away. Seed maturity is indeterminant. Seed can be collected using a vacuum cleaner. This removes only mature seed, leaving immature seed to ripen, and reduces the amount of trash which subsequently must be cleaned from the seed. Harvested seed is stored in paper bags at room temperature until cleaned.
Source: npn.rngr.net