Symphyotrichum (Aster) puniceum Swamp Aster

General

Abundant blue to purple or whiteish flowers with yellow centers that bloom in late summer to early fall. Found in wet to well-drained soils in full sun. Grows best in wet meadows and sunny areas, and will easily self-seed. Attracts pollinators.

Plant Description

Clusters of pale purple or pale blue flowers with yellow centers bloom in Aug./Sept. Leaves are alternate, somewhat elliptical, with barely noticeable teeth, and are bristly. Usually growing between 4-8' tall.

Height (ft)
4-8'

Soil moisture
Wet

Soil types
Average, Organic Rich

Wetland indicator
OBL

Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full sun

Bloom color
Blue, Purple, White

Bloom period
Late Summer/Fall

Drought tolerance
Low/None

Salinity tolerance
Low/None

 

Range

Common throughout the Northeastern United States from Maine to Pennsylvania, then along the Appalachians to South Carolina and northern Georgia, and west from Pennsylvania to Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota (and north into Canada), to the edge of the great plains. Some rare and disjunct populations in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Chippewa used the smoked roots to attract hunting game and the Cree used a decoction of the roots to induce sweating to bring down fevers. This decoction would also be taken to aid after childbirth and for toothaches. The Iroquois used an infusion of the roots for pneumonia, typhoid, fevers and tuberculosis.