Stokesia laevis, or stokes’ aster, is a native, showy perennial in the daisy family. This plant was named after a British physician & botanist, John Stokes. This plant is typically found growing in stream beds with consistent moisture. This full sun plant can get 1-2 ft. tall and begins blooming in mid to late summer. While it is a lower maintenance garden flower, it does require some deadheading to prolong blooming. It also helps to divide large clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or early fall, to prevent overcrowding.
*This plant can be found at both the Hayes Park & Hardin Bridge demonstration garden. *
Symphyotrichum laeve, or smooth blue aster, is naturally found in meadows and prairies in open spaces. Its appearance differs from the stokes’ variety by having a yellow center, and less leaves than the aromatic variety.
*This plant can be found at Hayes Park. *
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, commonly aromatic aster, is named for its balsam-like fragrance it gives off when the stems are crushed. This full sun plant can get 3 ft. tall and has a long blooming season from late summer to first frost. This is drought tolerant and deer/rabbit resistant. Its appearance differs with more leaflets than the other varieties and longer petals.
*This plant can be found at Hayes Park. *
