Symphyotrichum lateriflium
Family: Asteraceae
Common name: CALICO ASTER
Synonym: Aster lateriflorus
Native to: Naturalized Europe, North America
Sentiment: patience
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, erect
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 1 foot
Flower
secondary color present, white/off white
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bird, specific butterfly species
Plant part consumed by birds: seeds
Plant features: naturalizes
Exposure: part shade
Propagates by: cutting, division, seed
flowers in fall
flowers in summer
Soil type: loam
USDA Zones: zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: -40 to +30 °F
Water: regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
There are 143 Symphyotrichum, or ASTER, a member of the Compositae (Aster) family. Three perennials are cultivated: Symphyotrichum ericoides, lateriflium, and novae-angeliae. Each of these prefers regular water and attracts birds, butterflies, and bees. They offer a lot of versatility for the gardener as they flower in fall, grow in Zones 2-9, can be propagated by seed, cutting, or division, and grow to 3 ½ to 5 feet tall.
Symphyotrichum lateriflium, CALICO ASTER, grows in Zones 3-9, 3.3' high x 1' wide, and white flowers bloom in summer and fall. It can naturalize, and be cultivated by cutting division or seed. The leaf is simple, alternate, green, lanceolate, linear, and has a pointed tip. It is native to North America. Grow it in part shade, in good soil, and try it in a container. It prefers regular water.
Numerous butterflies, listed on the left, are attracted to Compositae and include including:
Agraulis vanillae, Gulf Fritillary
Apodemia mormo, Mormon Metalmark
Callophrys nelsoni, Nelson's Hairstreak
