Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Symphyotrichum

Species:

Symphyotrichum simmondsii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan, oct, nov, dec

Bloom Colors:

Red, Yellow, Purple, Violet

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

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:

moist, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to wetland areas, prefers natural wetland conditions