Symphyotrichum undulatum

Common Names

Wavy Leaf Aster, Wavyleaf Aster

Summary

Symphyotrichum undulatum, commonly called wavyleaf aster, is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It grows in loose clumps to about 1–4 ft tall, with stiff stems and loose clusters of flower heads; distinctive features include heart-shaped, wavy leaves with lower leaves on winged petioles and upper leaves clasping the stem, and blue to purple ray florets surrounding cream or yellow disk florets, in dry or well‑drained soils of open woods, borders, clearings, dry hammocks, sandhills, and open‑wooded bluffs. It tolerates part sun to part shade and dry to well‑drained soils, making it suitable for native woodland and partial‑shade gardens and for mass plantings on rocky slopes or rock gardens. It spreads by rhizomes or seeds and can be aggressive; it attracts butterflies and bees as a late‑season nectar source and serves as a larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. Deer may occasionally damage the plant; flowering occurs from August to November.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-5 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Sun to Partial Shade; tolerates some sun; avoid deep shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained soil, often loamy or rocky, on sandstone or limestone bedrock

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Blue to purple, sometimes lilac.

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators