Symphyotrichum adnatum (Nutt.) G.L. Nesom

Scale Leaf Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Scale Leaf Aster is a native perennial wildflower in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. Scale Leaf Aster grows in dry longleaf pine/scrub oak woods, sandhills, pine flatwoods, and sandy mesic longleaf pine/wiregrass forests. It is a perennial from a thickened woody rhizome or corm. One to five or more stems are produced from each rootstock. The stems are wiry and sprawling, and are from two to three feet in length. The leaves are small and scale-like, appressed to the stems. The flowers are produced in heads at the tips of the stems. The ray flowers are pale blue to lavender and the disc flowers are yellow. Flowering extends from October through December. Scale Leaf Aster is available from some wildflower nurseries, or it can be grown from seed. It is very drought tolerant once established, and thrives in full to partial sun. Scale Leaf Aster tends to sprawl, so allow plenty of room around it. When not in flower, its scale-like dark green leaves and wiry stems add interest to the garden.--A. Diamond

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Native

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