Elliott’s Aster
By LYNN ARTZ and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Elliott’s aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii) is a showy wildflower with lavender petals and yellow center. Blooming in late fall, its large clusters of fragrant flowers attract many butterflies and bees. Elliott’s aster occurs in most of Florida in sunny roadside ditches, swamps, and marshes. This long-lived perennial grows to about 4’ tall and forms dense stands. Plant in a moist, sunny location with room to spread. It tends to fall over in shade and may outcompete smaller plants in a mixed planting. Elliott’s aster is blooming now at the west end of the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park. Look also for the bright lavender Savannah aster (Symphyotrichum chapmanii) along the pond’s south side. This smaller aster is found almost exclusively in the Florida panhandle.