Smooth Blue Aster, also known as Symphyotrichum laeve (formerly Aster laevis), is a hardy and adaptable native perennial found throughout most of the United States and southern Canada. It thrives in prairies, savannas, woodland edges, and along roadsides. The plant typically grows 2–4 feet tall and produces violet to lavender-blue flower heads from late summer through fall, providing critical late-season nectar for honey bees, butterflies, and native bees. Smooth Aster is valued for its attractive bluish-green foliage, sturdy stems that remain upright, and its tolerance of dry to moderately moist soils. It performs best in full sun but can tolerate light shade, making it a versatile choice for prairie restorations, pollinator plantings, and home landscapes. Height: 30–48 inches Color: Violet to Lavender-Blue Hardiness Zone: 3–9 Bloom Period: Late Summer to Fall (Second Year After Seeding) Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade Moisture: Dry to Moderate Lifespan: Perennial Seeds per Pound: 926,000–1,746,000 Seeding Rate: 1 oz. covers 1,000 sq. ft. | 3 lbs. per acre
