Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve

If you want to end your gardening season with a grand finale of color while providing a critical “last meal” for migrating butterflies, Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) is an absolute essential.

Regarded as one of the most attractive and well-behaved of all native asters, it is a champion of the autumn landscape.

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Why You Should Plant Smooth Blue Aster

• A Fuel Station for Monarchs: Blooming from late summer through October, this aster provides high-energy nectar exactly when Monarch butterflies need it most for their long migration south. It is also a primary nectar source for late-season native bees and honeybees preparing for winter.
• Stunning Late-Season Color: When most of the garden is beginning to fade and turn brown, Smooth Blue Aster bursts into hundreds of sky-blue to violet flowers with bright yellow centers. It provides that rare, sought-after “cool” blue tone that perfectly complements the oranges and yellows of autumn.
• Exceptional Foliage: True to its name, the stems and leaves are “smooth” and waxy, often featuring a beautiful bluish-green hue. Unlike some other aster species that can look “weedy” or suffer from powdery mildew, this species stays remarkably clean and attractive throughout the entire growing season.
• Structural Support for Wildlife: The stems of Smooth Blue Aster are quite sturdy. If left standing, they provide excellent erect structure during the winter, offering cover for small critters and seeds for over-wintering birds like goldfinches.