Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Native)

Habitat: Stunning late season choice, providing nectar to butterflies and visual interest. Commonly found naturalized in woodlands, meadows, or stream banks.  It can be weedy as it self-seeds very easily.

Wildlife value: Host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds.  Members of the genus Symphyotrichum support the specialized bees

Notes: Self-seeds freely. Tolerates sun to shade but flowers best with 3 hours of sun or more. Pinching back the stems will lead to a bushier plant and hopefully avoid the need for staking. The foliage tends to decline by late summer and it can be cut to the ground to avoid any self-seeding and also to help with appearance.