Symphyotrichum patens (Aiton) G.L. Nesom

Common Clasping Aster; Late Purple Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Late Purple Aster is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Late Purple Aster grows in prairies, open woodlands, around rock outcrops, and in open forests. It grows to a height of two to three feet, but many plants tend to “tip” over and sprawl on other vegetation. It is a perennial from slender rhizomes. Multiple stems often are produced from each rootstock. The stems are pubescent and brown or green in color. The leaves are alternate with auriculate clasping bases. They are lanceolate to oblanceolate in outline, pubescent, with entire or crenate margins. Upper leaves are much reduced in size and appressed to the stem. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in panicles, with each head at the tip of slender stems. Flower heads have 12-24 purple or lavender ray flowers and 20-50 yellow disc flowers. The fruit is an achene. Late Purple Aster is drought tolerant once established and thrives in poor soils and full sun. Late Purple Aster flowers from late August until after frost. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The purple/lavender flowers of Late Purple Aster compliment other late blooming members of the Sunflower family such as Goldenrods (yellow), Golden Asters (yellow), Mist Flower (blue), Eupatoriums (white), Whitetop Asters (white) and Blazing Stars (purple). Late Purple Aster is available as plants or seed from some wildflower nurseries. Older clumps can be divided after flowering. Dig up the clump and use a sharp knife to separate each stem with a portion of the rootstock.--A. Diamond

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Native

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