Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster)

Native perennial • Fall nectar source • Superb pollinator plant

Smooth Aster brings soft lavender flowers late in the season when pollinators need nectar most. Its waxy blue-green foliage stays clean through summer, and its upright habit makes it one of the best asters for formal and native gardens alike.

 Light

• Full sun
  
  

• Tolerates light part sun
  
  

• Minimum 6 hours direct
  
  

More sun = stronger stems + heavier bloom.

Water

• Average water during establishment
  
  

• Drought tolerant after year one
  
  

• Prefers deep, occasional watering
  
  

Avoid soggy or poorly drained soil.

Soil

• Well-drained soil is key
  
  

• Performs well in clay-loam, silty, or sandy soils
  
  

• Avoid overly rich soil (too lush = floppy)
  
  

Thrives surprisingly well in lean native soils.

Hardiness

• USDA Zones 3–9
  
  

• Heat and cold tolerant
  
  

• Excellent Southeastern native performer
  
  

Blooming

• Late summer through fall
  
  

• Very high wildlife value
  
  

• Supports:
  
  

  • native bees
    
    

  • butterflies
    
    

  • migrating monarchs
    
    

  • beneficial predatory insects
    
    

One of the most important asters for Southeastern ecology.

 Growth Habit

• Upright clumping form
  
  

• 2–4 ft tall
  
  

• Slowly spreading rhizomes
  
  

• Excellent structure for fall gardens
  
  

Stem Quality (why Smooth Aster is adored)

Unlike some asters, Smooth Aster holds good form during bloom:

• stronger stems
  
  

• less flopping
  
  

• clean foliage
  
  

• great vertical accent
  
  

Planting Notes

Depth:

• Plant crown level
  
  

Spacing:

• 18–24 inches
  
  

Divide every 2–3 years if needed.

 Best Landscape Uses

• Fall pollinator gardens
  
  

• Native meadow borders
  
  

• Prairie plantings
  
  

• Dry sunny slopes
  
  

• Cottage-style borders
  
  

• Wildlife gardens
  
  

• Roadside native beds
  
  

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Solidago speciosa
  
  

• Liatris
  
  

• Monarda
  
  

• Coreopsis
  
  

• Echinacea
  
  

• Little bluestem
  
  

• Switchgrass
  
  

•  Native Value

Top-tier late-season nectar source essential for autumn bees and migrating butterflies. Plays a critical role in late-season pollinator ecology.

⚠ Common Problems

Floppy stems

Too much shade or rich soil.

Leaf spotting

Crowding + humid shade. Provide airflow.

Sparse blooming

Needs sun.