Common Name: Elliott’s aster 

Latin Name: Symphyotrichum elliottii

Family:  Asteraceae

Habit:  A perennial wildflower that grows to a height of 3 feet and spreads by underground runners.

Leaves:  Alternate, oblanceolate with toothed margins.

Flowers:  Beautiful purple flowers that appear in late summer, fall, and winter.

Habitat: It occurs naturally on pond margins, wet ditches, wetlands and low areas with constant moisture.

Landscape:  Grows in part shade to full sun with moist to wet soils.

Range: Elliott’s aster is native to AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, and WA.

Wildlife use:  Bees and butterflies use the flowers as a nectar source.

Propagation:  Aster seeds need cold stratification. They can be planted to weather the seasons naturally (by direct sowing or having pots outside from fall to spring) or put in the refrigerator for 90 days.

Aster seeds need light to germinate so do not cover with soil but rather press firmly into the soil surface. Water from beneath so as not to disturb them. Keep moist and warm.

I have Florida ecotype seeds for Elliott’s aster here at my Ebay Store.