Short's Aster

Short’s Aster is an excellent choice for dry woodland gardens, where it brings late-season color and ecological value. In early to mid-fall, its arching stems burst into bloom with masses of small, lavender-purple flowers, often numbering in the hundreds on a single plant. This aster is particularly shade-tolerant and thrives under trees or along woodland edges, making it a workhorse for challenging garden spots.

As with other native asters, its late-season nectar is essential for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators preparing for winter. While its abundant blooms can cause the stems to sprawl, this effect can be charming in informal plantings. In more structured settings, early summer pruning (cutting back by half) helps promote a bushier, upright form.

Why Choose Short's Aster?

• Shade-tolerant and thrives in dry woodland conditions
• Abundant fall blooms support pollinators when resources are scarce
• Tolerates poor soil and drought once established
• Attractive arching form adds texture to woodland borders
• Easy to maintain and resistant to browsing
  

• Consider removing seedlings every other year or so to control spread if necessary