Willowleaf aster, like other asters and goldenrods, is an important nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Small yellow disk florets are surrounded by the lavender petals of the ray florets. It is similar in size to New England Aster, but it spreads by underground rhizomes and is more aggressive. Because of its ability to spread, it often forms dense colonies.
Uses: Rain gardens, bees, butterflies
Bloom time: August - October
Height: 2 to 5 feet
Space: 2 to 3 feet
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Moisture: Average to wet
Seed: A fair amount of seed should germinate without special treatment, but a 30-day cold, moist stratification period will help ensure good germination. The following rates should yield ~30 seeds per square foot.
- 200 seeds per packet
- 130,000 seeds per ounce
- 1 ounce per 4,300 square feet
