Symphyotrichum subspicatum
Common Name(s):
Douglas Aster
Synonym:
Aster douglasii
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Sep
Flower cup (involucre) of overlapping bracts, the outer bracts with paper-like margins and light yellow to reddish brown base; ray flowers purple or blue, about 1/21 "long. Disc florets yellow tubular. Heads in raceme or cyme arrangements.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Asteraceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Stems with many hairy leaves. Leaves toothed; lower leaves lance-shaped, with short petiole; midstem leaves usually without petiole but do not clasp stem.
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Western U.S. and Canada
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
NO
Height:
1-4'
Spread:
1-3'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Marshes, thickets, weedy meadows, open disturbed habitats
Soil:
Well-drained moist soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Organic, well-rotted manure, garden compost
Provide full sun, well-drained soil, minimal watering, divide every few years, pruning to keep woody growth in check
Long Term:
Winter:
None
Spring:
Provide fertilizer, apply 2-3" mulch
Summer:
Full sun to partial shade, regular moderate watering, well drained snady, loany, or clay soils
Fall:
Let bloom through fall, give minimal water, full sun
General Care Comments:
Provide full sun, well-drained soil, minimal watering, deadheading to keep compact
Common Problems
Easily naturalizes via rhizomes. Watch for spread
Diseases:
Prone to a variety of diseases. In particular, monitor for aster yellows and powdery mildew
Insects:
Aster leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, Aster grasshoppers
Environmental Problems:
Pests:
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