Prairie Aster (Symphyotrichum Turbinellum)

Prairie Aster

Features and Characteristics

Symphyotrichum turbinellum, commonly called prairie aster, is native to dry prairies, open woods, upland glades and ridges from Illinois to Kansas south to Oklahoma and Louisiana. It typically grows as a shrubby upright perennial to 4′ tall and to 2 1/2′ wide. Narrow ovate to lanceolate, medium green leaves (to 4” long) have smooth margins. Basal leaves have petioles but stem leaves are sessile. Daisy-like flowers (to 1” diameter) with deep lavender to violet rays and yellow centers bloom abundantly in open panicles from late August to October. Flowers bloom at the tips of branchlets which are covered with very small bract-like leaves. The base of each flowerhead is shaped like a turban, hence the sometimes used common name of turbinate aster for this plant. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Synonymous with and formerly known as Aster turbinellus.

Genus name comes from the Greek symph meaning coming together and trich meaning hair in possible reference to the flower anthers.

Specific epithet refers to the turban-shaped base of each flowerhead.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in acidic, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils including rocky loams.

Prairie Aster (Symphyotrichum Turbinellum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Good resistance to powdery mildew.

Uses

Native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, woodland margins or naturalized areas. Mixed borders.

Prairie Aster (Symphyotrichum Turbinellum) Details

Common name	Prairie Aster
Botanical name	Symphyotrichum Turbinellum
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Lavender To Violet Rays With Yellow Centers
Flowering period	August - Oc- Ber
Height	3 - 4 Ft.
Width	2 - 2.50 Feet