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SYNONYM: Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Extremely drought tolerant aster excellent for dry rocky or shallow soil. Attractive to butterflies and pollinators. Self seeds and spreads by rhizomes making it perfect for erosion control. For the size of the plant, the inflorescence of Sky Blue Aster is rather large and showy.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: The native Sky Blue Aster occurs throughout the eastern and central portion of the united States.

Habitats include mesic to dry meadows and fields, rocky upland woodlands, woodland edges, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. This plant is usually found in undisturbed or undeveloped locations.

This species is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Aster azureus, commonly known as Sky Blue Aster, is a native herbaceous perennial plant with distinctive features. Typically growing to heights between two to four feet, this aster species forms a bushy and clump-forming habit. The lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, featuring a deep green color and serrated edges.

The highlight of Aster azureus is its eye-catching flowers, which bloom in late summer to fall. The daisy-like flower heads have vibrant azure-blue petals that surround a prominent yellow central disk. The flowers, with a diameter of about one inch, create a stunning display and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

Sky Blue Aster is known for its adaptability to various soil types, ranging from well-drained to clay soils. It thrives in locations with full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a range of garden settings. As a hardy and low-maintenance perennial, Aster azureus is often utilized in perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized landscapes, where it contributes late-season color and ecological benefits to the garden. Its resilience, attractive flowers, and ability to support pollinators make it a valuable addition to diverse landscapes.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Also tolerates drought. Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. May be grown from seed.

LANDSCAPE USES: Beneficial Insects;Butterfly Garden;Cottage Garden;Low Maintenance Gardens;Mass/Group Planting;Naturalizing;Native Plant Garden;Wildlife Gardens;Water-Wise Landscape; Restoration/Conservation; Native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, woodland margins or naturalized areas. Mixed borders.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Aster azureus with Solidago flexicaulis; Solidago odora; Solidago rigida; Solidago nemoralis; Solidago speciosa; Symphiotricum novae-angliae; Rudbeckia hirta; Echinacea purpurea; Echinacea pallida; Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’; Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’; Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’; Monarda didyma; Monarda fistulosa; Monarda punctata; Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’; Zizia aurea; Schizachryium scoparium; Liatris spicata; Liatris aspera; Liatris ligulistylis; Liatris pycnostachya; Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’; Liatris microcephala;

TRIVIA: Considered endangered in New York state.