Genus guide
Symphyotrichum — 30 species
Part of the Daisy & aster family family (Asteraceae)
Symphyotrichum is the genus of native North American asters, encompassing garden favorites like New England aster, New York aster, and cultivars such as Alma Potschke and Fellowship. These perennials bloom heavily in late summer and autumn, filling borders with daisy-like flowers in violet, pink, and white. They thrive in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily and prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil; water when the top inch dries out, avoiding constant wetness that promotes root rot. The ASPCA lists Symphyotrichum asters as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
All Symphyotrichum species we cover
- Alma Potschke aster
- Aromatic Aster
- Aromatic Aster 'Raydon's Favorite'
- Aster 'Alma Potschke'
- Aster 'Fellowship'
- Aster 'Harrington's Pink'
- Aster 'Hella Lacy'
- Aster 'Little Carlow'
- Aster 'Monte Cassino'
- Aster 'October Skies'
- Aster 'Professor Kippenburg'
- Aster 'Purple Dome'
- Aster 'Raydon's Favorite'
- Aster 'Vibrant Dome'
- Aster 'Wood's Pink'
- Calico Aster
- Drummond's Aster
- New England Aster
- New England Aster 'Purple Dome'
- New England Aster 'Purple Dome'
- New York aster
- New York Aster 'Fellowship'
- Prairie Heart-Leaved Aster
- Silky Aster
- Sky Blue Aster
- Smooth Blue Aster
- Symphyotrichum laeve 'Bluebird'
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke'
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Fellowship'
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite'
Symphyotrichum — frequently asked questions
Are Symphyotrichum plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Symphyotrichum are pet-safe. Of the 30 Symphyotrichum species we cover, 17 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 13 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Symphyotrichum plants need?
Most Symphyotrichum do best in direct sun. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Symphyotrichum easy to care for?
Some Symphyotrichum suit more experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime.
How many Symphyotrichum varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 30 Symphyotrichum species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Symphyotrichum, the rest follow closely.
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