Eastern Aromatic Aster

Each year the North Carolina Botanical Garden designates a Wildflower of the Year. This year they have selected the eastern aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius var. angustatus). In October this aster is covered with hundreds of blue-purple flowers with yellow discs (that mature to a purple bronze). The multi-branched, stiff stems form a shrubby dome-shaped plant that requires no staking or pruning when grown in a sunny location. Mature height is 2 to 4 feet. The rigid, toothless leaves have an aromatic, piney fragrance when crushed or rubbed. Eastern aromatic aster is considered one of our most beautiful native asters.

While it is native to only a few western North Carolina counties, this adaptable native aster will grow throughout most of our state provided it receives adequate sunlight. It is a carefree plant with drought tolerance.

For additional information contact:
North Carolina Botanical Garden
UNC-CH
CB 3375 Totten Center
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375
Fax 919-962-3522

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