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16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
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Symphyotrichum pilosus

Silky Aster

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Symphyotrichum pilosus (Silky Aster)

This highly variable species is common and found throughout Missouri. It is one of the most common Asters in the eastern U.S. This attractive plant is found in open, sandy or rocky sites that are somewhat dry as well as roadsides, meadows, waste areas, dry thickets, open woodland.

Additional Information:


Height
12-60 Inches

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Spread
-12 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
White


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
One of the toughest of the Asters, this species will readily grow on the poorest sand, gravel and rocky soils. It is very adept at reestablishing vegetation on disturbed soils of poor quality, especially when planted with other prairie grasses and flowers. This species bursts with clouds of white flowers. Easy to grow from seed, it creeps by rhizomes to stabilize disturbed soil.

Good Companions
Sweet Everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

UPL

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Root

Fibrous
Rhizomes

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Average

Special Uses

Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Butterfly Nectar
Food/Birds