Simmond’s aster

Pictured above: Simmond’s aster (Symphyotrichum simmondsii) by Emily Bell. Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.

Simmond’s aster (Symphyotrichum simmondsii) is endemic to the Southeastern Coastal Plain and while recorded from the Carolinas to Alabama, it is most prevalent throughout peninsular Florida. Occupying various habitats from moist to dry, it forms colonies via long underground rhizomes and typically blooms from October through January.

Small flowers are composed of 18–38 pale lavender to lilac ray florets and 24–37 disk florets that turn reddish with maturity. Leaves are oblanceolate, scabrous and arranged alternately. Stems are rigid and range from sparsely scabrellous to glabrous. (Click here for a detailed botanical description)

Members of the Symphyotrichum genus were once classified in the genus Aster, which contained over 600 species. All have since been reclassified into 10 different genera. The genus name Symphyotrichum is from the Greek sýmphysis, meaning “growing together,” and thríx, or “hair.” It refers to a basal ring of hairs or bristles (pappi) thought to occur on New England aster (Aster novi-belgii, now Symphyotrichum novi-belgii); however, this characteristic is absent in most modern Symphyotrichum species.

Family: Asteraceae (Aster, composite or daisy family)
Native range: Throughout the state
To see where natural populations of Simmond’s aster have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu.
Lifespan: Perennial
Soil: Moist to dry calcareous soils
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth habit: Herbaceous, up to 4 feet

Simmond’s aster is not commercially available. Visit a natural area to see it.

For information on other Symphyotrichum species, see these resources:

Eastern silver aster

Eastern silver aster (Symphyotrichum concolor) is a winsome wildflower found in Florida’s pineland habitats. It typically blooms in fall but may bloom in summer and early winter.

Read more… Eastern silver aster

Calico aster

Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a lovely fall-blooming aster that occurs in a wide variety of habitats — from forests to marshes and wet prairies — and ranges across Eastern and into Central North America.

Read more… Calico aster

Perennial saltmarsh aster

Perennial saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum tenuifolium) is one of the few large-flowered species present among the grasses and rushes of the salt marsh. It plays an important ecological role for native bees!

Read more… Perennial saltmarsh aster

Walter’s aster

Walter’s aster (Symphyotrichum walteri) in late fall and early winter, providing nectar and pollen to butterflies, bees and other pollinators at a time when floral resources are limited.

Read more… Walter’s aster

Scaleleaf aster

Scaleleaf aster (Symphyotrichum adnatum) is hardly noticeable when not in bloom. But in late fall and early winter, its copious periwinkle blooms make for a showy display.

Read more… Scaleleaf aster

Georgia aster

Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) is a magnet for bees and butterflies. Its flowers are distinguishable from other Symphyotrichum species by their relatively large size and deep violet-colored ray petals.

Read more… Georgia aster

Rice button aster

Rice button aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum) is a profuse bloomer with small flowers that attract a plethora of pollinators including butterflies and native bees.

Read more… Rice button aster

Elliott’s aster

Elliott’s aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii) is a perennial wildflower and wonderful plant for attracting butterflies, bees and other pollinators due to its many fragrant blooms.

Read more… Elliott’s aster