Sky Blue Aster

Description

Symphyotrichum oolentangiense, commonly called sky blue aster, azure aster or blue devils, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) that grows in prairies, fields, wood margins and rocky slopes.  This aster is synonymous with and formerly known as Aster azureus.

For Sky Blue Aster, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bumblebees, digger bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Syrphid flies, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, miscellaneous beetles, and other insects. In addition, larvae of the butterflies Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent feed on asters, as do larvae of the Aster Borer Moth, The Asteroid, and many other moths. Among birds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey browse on the leaves and seeds of asters; the Tree Sparrow also eats the seeds during the winter. Among mammals, the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage, while the White-footed Mouse eats the seeds.

Cattle, horses, and other livestock also browse on the foliage, especially when it is young and tender.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Also tolerates drought. Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. May be grown from seed. Native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, woodland margins or naturalized areas. Mixed borders.

Habitats include mesic to dry prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, upland savannas, upland sandy savannas, woodland borders, sandy meadows, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. This plant is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is still intact. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance that reduce competition from woody vegetation is beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.