seeds: Symphyotrichum laeve (smooth blue aster)
 
Seed Information
Stratification code:
 
 
A: Seed should germinate when sown in a warm location. 
  
 
Includes a brochure with instructions on how to sow native seeds.
 
Plant Information
"Symphyotrichum laeve (formerly Aster laevis) is a flowering plant native to Canada, the United States, and Coahuila (Mexico). It has the common names of smooth blue aster, smooth aster, smooth-leaved aster, glaucous Michaelmas-daisy and glaucous aster.
 
The flower heads are arranged in clusters (panicles). Each flower head has 13 to 23 ray florets with pale to dark blue or purple petals (laminae), and 19 to 33 disc florets that start out yellow and eventually turn purplish-red. The whole flowerhead measures 13 to 25 millimeters (1⁄2 to 1 in) across.
 
Symphyotrichum laeve varieties are native to Canada, the United States, and Coahuila (Mexico). 
 
S. laeve grows in fields, open woods, and along roadsides in rocky or dry soil and full sun.
 
Symphyotrichum laeve blooms in late summer and early fall. It is pollinated by many native bees and attracts butterflies. It is a larval host for the pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)."