Symphyotrichum cordifolium (L.) G.L. Nesom

Heartleaf Aster; Blue Wood Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Heartleaf Aster is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It occurs throughout most of Alabama except for the southernmost counties. Heartleaf Aster occurs in mesic hardwood forests, ravines, along creeks, and in prairies. It is a perennial from a branched rhizome. The stems are from one to three feet in height. They are usually reddish-purple in color and smooth. The leaves are heart shaped with a toothed margin. The flowers are produced in heads. The ray flowers range from sky blue through pale lavender, to almost white. The disc flowers are yellow turning to purple. Flowering occurs from October through December. Heartleaf Aster is easily cultivated in moist organic-rich soil in full or partial shade. It can be planted in a perennial bed or along a woodland path. This is a good species for beds located around trees where few other flowering plants will thrive. Heartleaf Aster is often available as plants from wildflower nurseries, and several selections are available including: Sweet lavender, Chieftain, Avondale, and the Little Carlow hybrids.--A. Diamond

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Native

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