Aromatic Aster (PA Ecotype)

Aster oblongifolius

Origin: Eastern and Central United States

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~200

Germination tested 12/2022: 20% (likely would be higher under optimal natural conditions, and some seed may be dormant)

Life cycle: Perennial

This lovely purple aster grows to about 2 feet tall and 18 inches wide. It prefers medium to dry soil, and thrives in full sun. Purple blooms persist from August through October until frost, providing great late-season flowers for pollinators like honeybees. This species is drought tolerant and prolific. Good perennial border plant. Seed in fall or spring.

Tea from the roots and flowers has been used medicinally for earache, gas pains, stomach aches, and fevers.

These seeds were produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.