Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Symphyotrichum cordifolium: Blue Wood Aster

An indispensable native for late-season colour, Symphyotrichum cordifolium graces the autumn garden with airy clouds of pale lavender-blue daisies. Held on branching, often reddish stems above heart-shaped green foliage, these flowers create a soft, luminous effect under trees or along woodland edges. A magnet for bees and butterflies, it offers an elegant, naturalistic feel and thrives where other plants may fade—especially in dry shade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: September to October
• Foliage: Soft green, heart-shaped basal leaves with toothed margins
• Sunlight Requirements: Part sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and rocky soils

Uses and Benefits: Excellent for naturalized plantings, shade borders, and woodland edges where it blends seamlessly with ferns, grasses, and fall bloomers. Tolerant of tough conditions, it provides reliable late-season interest and valuable habitat for pollinators. Looks especially graceful when planted en masse beneath trees or interwoven among other natives.

Companion Plants: Pair with Dryopteris 'Eastern Wood Fern', Carex pensylvanica, and Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' for a layered woodland combination that balances texture, shade tolerance, and seasonal bloom interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in part sun to dappled shade with well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Cut back after flowering if self-seeding is not desired. Divide every few years in early spring to rejuvenate.

History: Native to eastern North American woodlands, Symphyotrichum cordifolium was formerly known as Aster cordifolius. Its graceful habit and ecological value have made it a favourite among naturalistic designers and native plant enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Delicate in form yet resilient in nature, Blue Wood Aster brings subtle beauty and essential pollinator support to shady corners just when the rest of the garden begins to fade.