Stokesia laevis (Hill) Greene

Stokes' Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Stokes' Aster is a native perennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). It is native to the lower third of Alabama. Stokes' Aster occurs in pitcher plant bogs, seeps, low pine woodlands, and in wet ditches. It is a perennial from a tap root or short rhizome. The basal leaves are lanceolate with entire margins. The stem leaves are linear, with toothed margins. Leaves are glabrous and gland dotted. Flowers are produced in heads. The phyllaries (bracts surrounding the head) are spine tipped. Heads are usually produced singly, but may be in corymbs. Heads consists of ray flowers only. The rays are blue, purple, or white. The fruit is an achene. Stokes' Aster is a popular native species and is often available in nurseries. Even though it normally occurs in bogs naturally, it adapts to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. Best flowering is from plants in full or partial sun. Large clumps can be dug and separated in the autumn and plants can also be grown from seed. It can be used in a perennial bed with other natives such as Bee Balm, Coreopsis, Black-eyed Susan, Indian Pink, and Phlox.--A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL)

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