Symphyotrichum concolor (Eastern silvery aster)

Symphyotrichum concolor is called the Eastern Silvery Aster or the Silverling Aster, due to the silvery-blue hue of its foliage. When common names were handed out we would suggest calling this the "wand aster" or the "club aster" due to the unique way blooms densely occur along the long and narrow woody stems, almost like a Liatris. Its brilliant violet blossoms provide color to dry and lean landscapes when most plants are done flowering for the year.

 

One of our favorite asters, Symphyotrichum concolor is a rarely cultivated species, which is a shame since it is quite versatile and can tolerate poor growing conditions. It occurs in pine barrens, steep hillsides, dry forest edges, and rocky glades, preferring low-nutrient areas with rocky or sandy soils that are well draining. While adaptable to part sun, it performs best in as much sun as it can get.

 

This aster has a thin and airy form, sending up a few narrow woody stems which bloom September into November, providing nectar and pollen for the late season and supporting many pollinators. Including specialist bees, and a plethora of native bees, skippers, butterflies, moths, and beneficial wasps. It also serves as a larval host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly, Wavy-Lined Emerald, and Silvery Checkerspot.

 

Eastern silvery aster is well-suited to dry prairies, drought tolerant pollinator meadows, and native borders in low-nutrient soils. Planting in too much dense, higher organic soil can result in excessive and floppy growth, or root rot. 

 

It's well-paired in a supportive matrix with other drought tolerant and low-growing companions like Solidago puberula (downy goldenrod), Asclepias tuberosa (orange butterflyweed), Liatris pilosa (Shaggy blazingstar), Chasmanthium laxum (slender spikegrass), Eragrostis spectabilis (purple lovegrass), Ionactis linariifolia (stiff aster), and Monarda punctata (Spotted bee balm), among others.