Blue Wood Aster  Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Known for its airy clouds of small, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, blooming late summer through fall in woodlands and edges. It features heart-shaped, toothed leaves, grows 2-4 feet tall on smooth stems, thrives in sun to part shade in well-drained soil, and is a vital pollinator plant that self-seeds readily, making it great for naturalizing.

Key Characteristics
Flowers: Small (¾” wide), daisy-like with 8-20 pale blue to lavender petals and a yellow center that turns violet.
Foliage: Heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, especially lower ones, with coarse teeth; upper leaves become more ovate.
Stems: Smooth, upright, and arching, reaching 2-4 feet in height.
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August-November).
Habitat: Woodland edges, stream banks, disturbed sites, and roadsides. 
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade (tolerates shade well).
Soil: Average to moist, well-drained; adaptable to dry or rich soils.
 
Uses & Wildlife
Pollinator Support: Excellent nectar source for bees and butterflies, especially migrating ones.
Naturalizing: Can spread easily by self-seeding, perfect for woodland gardens or naturalistic plantings.
Deer/Rabbit: Generally rabbit and deer resistant.