FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Elliott’s Aster

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

Elliott’s aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii) is a robust late-flowering wetland wildflower. In late fall, this profuse bloomer displays masses of delicate one-inch pink-lavender flowers with yellow centers. The showy, fragrant flowers attract many different bees and butterflies including monarchs. The plants produce thousands of seeds that feed migrating birds. Elliott’s aster grows 4 feet tall in full sun and wet to moist soil. It occurs naturally in swamps, freshwater marshes, wet flatwoods, and roadside ditches within much of Florida. This long-lived perennial spreads underground and by seeds to form large colonies. Elliott’s aster is blooming now at the west end of the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park. Look also for the bright purple Savannah aster (Symphyotrichum chapmanii) along the pond’s south side. This smaller aster is found almost exclusively in the Florida panhandle.