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Native Plant Database

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Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum (Purplestem aster)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum (L.) A.& D. Löve

Purplestem aster, Red-stem aster, Swamp aster

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonyms: Aster puniceus

USDA Symbol: SYPUP

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is a variable plant, but the typical form has bristly, purplish stems; toothed, lance-shaped leaves; and many light-violet or violet-blue rays (petals) surrounding a yellow center. Red-stem aster is a stout plant growing 2-7 ft. tall.

Resembles a large and lighter coloured New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angleae). (Ontario Native Plants 2002)

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , NT , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Nf. to Ont., MN & ND, s. to GA, TN & s. MO
Native Habitat: Wet, frequently calcareous, thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Damp soils
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Sow seeds, 5/8 deep, outside in fall or provide cold stratification. Also propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring.
Seed Collection: Approximate collection date in northern U.S.: late Oct.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-05-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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