Common Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium
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Pl. F60E — Symphyotrichum cordifolium
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IOverview
Overview
The Common Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is a perennial plant native to the northeastern and southeastern United States, thriving in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia. Known for its edible leaves, this aster can be found growing in moist conditions with light requirements of full sun. It prefers well-draining soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and is hardy in zones 3-7. Standing at a height of 1.5 meters, it stands out among its peers with distinctive blue flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn, making it both ornamental and useful for gardens or landscapes where its edible leaves can also be utilized.
Quick answers
What is Common Blue Wood Aster?
The Common Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is a perennial plant native to the northeastern and southeastern United States, thriving in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia. Known for its edible leaves, this aster can be found growing in moist conditions with light requirements of full sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Blue Wood Aster thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows to a height of about 1.5 meters. For propagation, use division or seed sowing. The plant is native to eastern North America and can be found growing wild in various states from Maine to Georgia. Its leaves are edible and can be used fresh or cooked.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Blue Wood Aster for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Blue Wood Aster as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare containers with potting mix if using pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist; avoid overwatering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring; cut back after flowering for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The Common Blue Wood Aster's leaves are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. They are typically prepared by boiling or steaming to enhance their flavor and texture. Skip the raw consumption for optimal results.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Minnesota, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Prince Edward I., South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Alabama, District of Columbia, Arkansas, Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f60e8cb5-cd41-4f9c-9d5b-656f87b62437
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