Introduction
Aster laevis is a sturdy branching perennial that reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches. The grey-silver leaves of smooth aster have a fine texture, and light blue daisy-like flowers appear on the plant in the late spring, summer, and fall. The smooth aster is not especially showy but has been proven to be reliable.
General Information
Scientific name: Aster laevis
Pronunciation: ASS-ter LEE-viss
Common name(s): smooth aster
Family: Compositaceae
Plant type: herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 4B through 9A (Figure 1)
Planting month for zone 7: year round
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Origin: native to Florida
Uses: mass planting; edging; attracts butterflies; cut flowers
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Description
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Plant habit: upright
Plant density: symmetrical habit with a regular (or smooth) outline and individuals having more or less identical forms
Growth rate: fast
Texture: fine
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: lanceolate
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: deciduous
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: lavender
Flower characteristic: summer flowering; fall flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: unknown
Fruit length: unknown
Fruit cover: unknown
Fruit color: white
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: thin
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in full sun
Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Drought tolerance: moderate
Soil salt tolerances: unknown
Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
The flowers of smooth aster can be cut for flower arrangements, as they last several days indoors. The plant performs well as an edging in the landscape or in a group planting. It makes a nice component in a mixed border.
This perennial requires full sun and a well-drained soil. Aster laevis is drought tolerant.
Smooth aster is propagated by softwood cuttings or by division.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases are of major concern.