Tag: Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Purple For Pollinators In Autumn

September 29, 2026

Broadcasting their availability to the pollinators of autumn, Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium). Native to central and eastern North America.

With the word aromatic in its name, I would expect Aromatic Aster, perhaps even the whole plant to have a fragrance, but that’s not the case. The flowers have no fragrance at all. But the leaves and stems have a subtle balsam-like fragrance, however the leaves or stems must be crushed, rubbed, or bent in order to notice it. And, yes, it is very subtle.

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Aromatic Aster Time

I was thinking that it was about bloom time for the Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) and sure enough this afternoon I came upon a few flowers. Just the beginning.

It’s an herbaceous perennial, native to parts of the eastern and central United States, grows 2 to 4 feet tall. It’s the host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis). Many pollinators seek out the nectar, bees, butterflies and skippers.

Actually the flowers don’t have a scent but rubbing the leaves will give the aroma of balsam.

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