What's eating my aromatic aster?

Aromatic Aster's strong fragrance deters many pests, making it one of the most pest-resistant native asters. Aphids are still occasionally present on new growth, and lace bugs can appear in warm summers. Deer and rabbits generally avoid it due to the scent, giving it a practical advantage over less aromatic asters.

Small colonies on soft new growth; sticky honeydew and minor leaf distortion; rarely severe on this species Knock off with water; a single insecticidal soap application usually resolves the problem; natural predators provide good control

Pale stippled patches on upper leaves in mid to late summer; look for frass on undersides to confirm Neem oil or insecticidal soap spray targeting leaf undersides; thin interior stems to improve air flow

Flower buds that abort or produce misshapen petals; small brown punctures on stems Weed surrounding areas where adults overwinter; pyrethrin sprays target active nymphs; sticky traps help monitor populations