Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve, commonly called smooth aster, typically occurs in prairies, rocky glades, dry open woods, roadside banks, and thickets. Stems are usually unbranched with variable, mostly toothed, smooth, bluish-green foliage. Small flowers with violet-blue to purple (sometimes white) rays and yellow center disks appear in autumn's open, loose, panicle-like clusters.A non-aggressive rhizomatous root system allows the plant to spread slowly.  In a garden setting, Smooth Blue Aster will persist for many years. Attractive to butterflies.