Purplestem Aster
Symphyotrichum puniceum
Also known as: Shining Aster
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Shaun Pogacnik (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Symphyotrichum
- Species:
- Symphyotrichum puniceum
- USDA Symbol:
- SYPU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- violet, blue, 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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Arcigera Flower Moth (Schinia arcigera), Asymmetrura impositella, Impecunious Borer Moth (Papaipema impecuniosa), Lioptilodes parvus, Northern Flower Moth (Schinia septentrionalis), orange oakleaf (Charidryas nycteis), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, rich, loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and along streams
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; sow in fall or after cold treatment.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)