Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
Uncommon plant in Illinois. It has attractive blooms of compound flowers with blue-violet or purple ray florets. Does not do well when competing with aggressive tall plants unless the competition is selectively weeded out. It has no floral scent; however, crushed foliage or flowerheads produce a balsam-like scent. Pollen attracts various insects and Wild Turkey are known to eat the seeds.
Uncommon plant in Illinois. It has attractive blooms of compound flowers with blue-violet or purple ray florets. Does not do well when competing with aggressive tall plants unless the competition is selectively weeded out. It has no floral scent; however, crushed foliage or flowerheads produce a balsam-like scent. Pollen attracts various insects and Wild Turkey are known to eat the seeds.
Uncommon plant in Illinois. It has attractive blooms of compound flowers with blue-violet or purple ray florets. Does not do well when competing with aggressive tall plants unless the competition is selectively weeded out. It has no floral scent; however, crushed foliage or flowerheads produce a balsam-like scent. Pollen attracts various insects and Wild Turkey are known to eat the seeds.
Bloom: fall
Habitats: dolomite prairies; gravelly hill prairies; limestone glades; mesic to dry gravel prairies; rocky bluffs along major rivers
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: dry (although an average moisture is tolerated if the site is well-drained)
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: poor, rocky soil with open terrain