Smooth Blue Aster   (Aster laevis or Symphyotrichum laeve)

Asters color fall. In October, when most flowers are done, the asters are at their peak.

Walking through the children’s garden will bring you face to face with the tall blue asters peaking through the huge spider web. This aster grows three to four feet tall (ours is even taller). Its flower has blue to violet petals with yellow centers. The leaves are thick and clasp the stem. This aster is native to North Carolina. It takes moist to dry conditions and sun to part shade. It is good for wildflower, native, and butterfly gardens as butterflies are its main pollinator. The many clusters of blue flowers with their yellow centers swaying in the autumn breeze are lovely. Ours is waiting for you in the children’s garden.