Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Symphyotrichum

Species:

Symphyotrichum vahlii

USDA Symbol:

SYVA3

Growth Characteristics

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

white, pale lavender

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)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; benefits from periodic burning in prairie and wetland edge habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers habitats near water bodies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Surface sow; seeds require light for germination.