Elliott Aster - Symphyotrichum elliottii

Category: Perennial

Common Name: Elliott Aster

Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum elliottii

Sun Conditions:Full Sun to Part Sun

Soil Conditions: Moist to Wet; tolerates average garden soil once established

Height Range: 2-6.5 ft (typically 4 ft in cultivation)

Width Range: 2-3 ft (spreads aggressively by stolons)

Growth Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Medium

Bloom Color: Pink to Lavender-Purple

Bloom Time: Fall (October-November, after other asters finish)

Seed/Fruit Production: Yes

Foliage Color: Green

Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Evergreen: No (forms dense colonies)

Deer Resistant: Yes

Forage: Not a preferred browse; deer and rabbits generally leave it alone

Poisonous: No known toxicity

Wildlife Value Highlights: Wet meadows, pond/ditch margins, rain gardens, coastal and salt-marsh-adjacent plantings (somewhat salt tolerant); tolerates typical garden soil once established but spreads aggressively by stolons/rhizomes — give it room or contain it

Ecological/Landscape Use: One of the very last native nectar sources of the year (blooms into November, after frost) — critical late fuel for Monarchs and other migrating/overwintering pollinators; also visited by native bees and songbirds for seed

Lepidoptera Supported by Family/Group: Documented larval host plant for butterflies (asters generally host Pearl Crescent and other checkerspots); major fall nectar source for Monarchs and Queen butterflies

Lepidoptera Supported by Species: Not itemized at species level

For More Info: https://www.plantdelights.com/products/symphyotrichum-elliottii?srsltid=AU7gw4UrWQ_66IeypLEOqbvXQxZ9NJLZY_fm1x-huLam5yXeL9yKMaS8