Calico Aster
Calico Aster, known scientifically as Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, is a perennial plant native to central and eastern North America, extending from Canada to Mexico. It flourishes in diverse habitats such as moist fields, forest edges, and thickets, often favoring light shade and moist, well-drained soils. This adaptable plant can withstand occasional flooding and makes a great low maintenance addition to the garden.
An intriguing aspect of the Calico Aster is its name, which highlights the colorful change of its disk flowers. These centers begin as yellow and gradually turn dark purple or rosy red as they mature, often resulting in a single plant displaying multiple colors at once.
This plant not only adds beauty to gardens and natural landscapes but also supports local ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators and seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Calico Aster serves as a host plant for several insects as a keystone species. It is particularly valuable as a caterpillar host for at least 11 species of butterflies and moths, including the larvae of the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), the Green owlet moth (Leuconycta diphteroides), the Pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos), and the Silvery checkerspot butterfly (Charidryas harrisii). Additionally, it provides pollen for at least 16 native specialist bee species.
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Description
Calico Aster, known scientifically as Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, is a perennial plant native to central and eastern North America, extending from Canada to Mexico. It flourishes in diverse habitats such as moist fields, forest edges, and thickets, often favoring light shade and moist, well-drained soils. This adaptable plant can withstand occasional flooding and makes a great low maintenance addition to the garden.
An intriguing aspect of the Calico Aster is its name, which highlights the colorful change of its disk flowers. These centers begin as yellow and gradually turn dark purple or rosy red as they mature, often resulting in a single plant displaying multiple colors at once.
This plant not only adds beauty to gardens and natural landscapes but also supports local ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators and seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Calico Aster serves as a host plant for several insects as a keystone species. It is particularly valuable as a caterpillar host for at least 11 species of butterflies and moths, including the larvae of the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), the Green owlet moth (Leuconycta diphteroides), the Pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos), and the Silvery checkerspot butterfly (Charidryas harrisii). Additionally, it provides pollen for at least 16 native specialist bee species.
