Symphyotrichum lateriflorum - Herbaceous Plants,Perennial,Wildflowers - Calico Aster, Side-Flowering Aster, Starry Aster Page

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum is a perennial flora that’s known as Calico Aster, Side-flowering Aster or Starry aster. Sporting diminutive white blooms, about half an inch wide, it comes alive with clusters of flowers along its branches between mid-August and October, extending sometimes to November. This flora's signature charm is its blossoms, 8–15 white rays tinged with purple encircling a central disc of 8–16 tiny tube-like flowers morphing into a gorgeous purplish-red.
The widely spreading Calico Aster branches are spotted with loose clusters of multiple flowering heads, mainly on one side, attracting various insects with its shortened nectar tubes. It epitomizes resiliency, thriving across a range of conditions from Quebec to Texas. Its favorite habitats include forest margins, meadows, stream borders, low wet woods, and road. Remarkably, it can withstand periodic flooding. What's more, if shorter plants are preferred, this plant can be tweaked with a quick pinch-back of the stems between late spring to early summer.
Calico Aster, formerly known as Aster lateriflorus, notably stands out with its broad dark green leaves, which narrow as they ascend the stems. By late summer, their coppery transformation offers a delightful spectacle. Celebrate nature with the versatile and enchanting Calico Aster - a vibrant addition to every garden!