Family: Asteraceae

This is a genus of some 103 species of mostly perennial plants (some annuals). The majority are endemic to North America, but several also occur in the West Indies, Central and South America, as well as one species in eastern Eurasia.

These are incredible and important pollinator plants. The genus is larval host for butterflies like the pearl crescent.

Most will grow well in part sun, or full sun with extra water (avoid reflective heat). All species available in the trade are very cold hardy.

The genus Symphyotrichum comes from Greek symphysis for “borne together” and trichnos for hair.

Photo of Symphyotrichum falcatum var. commutatum by Liz Makings, SEINET