Image of Symphyotrichum sericeum
Source: davecz2
image of Flowering plant
Symphyotrichum sericeum
Western Silvery Aster
Aster soyeux

Synonyms

silky aster
western silver aster
western silver-leaved aster
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom Colour: Purple Bloom Period: Sep - Oct
Max Height: 1.0 feet
Max Width: 2.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
row garden Suitable for Right of Way gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
school garden Suitable for school gardens
boulevard garden tolerant Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Ecological Benefits:
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
plant endangered This plant is endangered
septic tank safe This plant is septic tank safe
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Symphyotrichum sericeum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Symphyotrichum sericeum

  • Cucullia convexipennis (Brown Hooded Owlet)
  • Eupithecia miserulata (American Common Pug)
  • Euplexia benesimilis (American Angle Shades)
  • Leuconycta diphteroides (Green Leuconycta)
  • Phyciodes cocyta (Northern Crescent)
  • Trichordestra legitima (Striped Garden Caterpillar)

Specialized Bees Supported by Symphyotrichum sericeum

  • Andrena aliciae
  • Andrena asteris
  • Andrena canadensis
  • Andrena chromotricha
  • Andrena hirticincta
  • Andrena nubecula
  • Andrena placata
  • Andrena simplex
  • Complexe Colletes americanus
  • Complexe Colletes compactus
  • Complexe Colletes simulans
  • Dianthidium simile
  • Melissodes agilis
  • Melissodes druriellus
  • Melissodes illatus
  • Melissodes subillatus
  • Melissodes trinodis
  • Protandrena andrenoides
  • Pseudopanurgus aestivalis
Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Chrysanthemum (Mums)
  • Rosa (Non-native Roses)
  • Helianthus (Non-Native Sunflower)
  • NA (Black Eyed Susan's Cultivars)
  • Rudbeckia Triloba (Brown Eyed Susan's)
  • Echinacea (Coneflowers)
  • NA (Coreopsis cultivars)
  • Helianthus).1 (Non-Native Sunflower)
  • NA (Non-Native False Sunflower)
  • Symphiotrichum (Non-Native Aster)
  • Melilotus albus) (Sweet White Clover)
  • Hesperis matronalis (Dame Rocket)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: November
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
  • Harvesting:
    • Shake seed head in paper bag
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/4 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.