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Sky Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

a.k.a. Azure Aster

Shrubby, erect, native, perennial forb, 24-40" tall. Skyblue aster is a part of a complete prairie mix for dry to mesic sites. This wildflower bears some of the truest blue flowers, This species is well suited for restorations and rehabilitations of prairies, savannas, rocky and dry, thin soils and fields. This species would also be useful for vegetated dry swales, the back of rain gardens, and slope stabilization.

USDA symbol: SYOO

General Information

Plant TypeForb
Height4 feet
Light ExposureSun, Part Sun
Soil MoistureDry
Bloom ColorBlue
Sky Blue Aster (Sky Blue Aster<div><em class="small">Symphyotrichum oolentangiense</em></div>)
Photo credit: Minnesota Wildflowers (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceLow
General Resilience6
Salt ToleranceMedium
Stress ToleranceGeneral Disturbance

Pollinator Value: High

Bloom MonthsSeptember to October
Larval Host ofBees
Specific Pollinators HostedNumerous bee species
Pollinator BenefitInsect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Stem Nesting, Supports Generalists

Project Planning

Project TypeBoulevard, Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Restoration, Shoreline Buffer, Upland Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism8
Herbivore SensitivityMedium
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadSlow
Soil StabilizationShallow
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyAnoka, Becker, Benton, Cass, Chisago, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Todd, Wabasha, Wadena, Washington, Winona, Wright
EcoregionDriftless Area, Lake Agassiz Plain, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Glaciated Plains, Northern Lakes and Forests, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands