Short's Aster

Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Short's Aster (Aster shortii)
Symphyotrichum shortii [C-value 8]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms mid-August - mid-October

The native Short's Aster is uncommon in our area. This perennial prefers partial sun and slightly moist to slightly dry soil with loam or some rocky material. It might be found in upland open woodlands and slopes, woodland borders, and along woodland paths. It is 2–3½' tall, more or less erect, with alternate, long-stalked, leaves and with an open cluster of shining pale blue-violet blossoms ¾–1" across, with 10-20 ray florets surrounding a similar number of disk florets that are yellow, later turning reddish purple.

Short's Aster at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve September 20, 2014

Short's Aster foliage at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve September 20, 2014

Short's Aster leaf at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve September 20, 2014

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