What's eating my smooth blue aster?

Smooth Blue Aster shares the same pest guild as other native asters: aphids are the most frequent problem, followed by lace bugs on the leaf undersides. Its smooth, somewhat waxy foliage offers slightly more resistance than hairy-leaved asters. Deer will browse it; rabbits nip young stems in spring.

Soft colonies on new growth cause leaf curl, sticky honeydew deposits, and black sooty mold Spray with a firm water jet to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds and hoverflies

Pale stippled patches on upper leaf surface; black tar-like excrement on undersides; leaves yellow and drop early in heavy infestations Target undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly; remove affected leaves; improve air circulation by thinning crowded stems

Feeding on flower buds causes distorted, aborted blooms and sunken brown spots on stems and emerging flowers Remove weeds around beds where adults overwinter; use row covers on young plants; pyrethrin-based sprays effective on nymphs

Clean-cut browse of stems and buds, especially before and during flowering in late summer Install motion-activated sprinklers or netting; apply commercial deer repellent to surrounding foliage; plant in more exposed or enclosed areas