Botanical Name: Aster cordifolius
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Asterales
Tribe: Astereae
Subtribe: Symphyotrichinae
Genus: Symphyotrichum
Subgenus: Symphyotrichum subg. Symphyotrichum
Section: Symphyotrichum sect. Symphyotrichum
Species: S. cordifolium
Synonyms: Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Common Names: Common Blue Wood Aster, Heartleaf aster, and Blue wood-aster
Habitat: Aster cordifolius is native to central and eastern North America – Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to Ontario, Minnesota, Georgia and Missouri. It grows primarily in mesic sites with soils that are rocky to loamy but generally rich, at heights ranging from sea level along the coastal plain up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in the Appalachian Mountains. It can be found on open wooded slopes, along the banks of streams, on moist ledges, in swampy woods, along the borders of beech–maple forests and oak–hickory forests, as well as in clearings, thickets, and along roadsides and ditches. It also can be found in urban areas where it is sometimes considered a weed species.
Description:
Aster cordifolius is a Perennial plant, growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). The lower leaves are heart-shaped, while leaves higher on the stem tend to be sessile with more rounded bases. It is in flower from September to October. The composite flowers, which have bluish to rarely white ray florets and light yellow disc florets that eventually turn purple, emerge in August and persist into October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Cultivation:
Succeeds in most good garden soils, preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[200]. Prefers a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be naturalized in a woodland or other wild garden[200]. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Propagation:
Through Seed – surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[134]. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[200]. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 – 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Edible Uses:
Leaves are eatable they are cooked & eaten.
Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the plant is used as an aromatic nervine and also in the treatment of rheumatism.
Other Uses:
Aster cordifolius has Showy Blooms and can be used in Cottage Gardens, Deer Resistant Plantings, Water-wise Landscapes, Low Maintenance Plantings, Dry Meadows, Perennial Borders, Roadsides and Restoration Projects.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphyotrichum_cordifolium
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aster+cordifolius
