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Description
Symphyotrichum Adnatum, commonly known as the eastern purple aster, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family and is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant produces flowers that vary in color from pale pink to purple and bloom from August through to October.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Symphyotrichum |
Appearance
Symphyotrichum Adnatum grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has an upright habit and produces numerous small flowers in terminal clusters. The flowers are daisy-like and have purple or pink petals surrounding a yellow center. The leaves are lance-shaped and hairy, with a dark green color that turns reddish-purple in the fall. The plant’s stems are also hairy and reddish-purple in color.
Care Guide
Symphyotrichum Adnatum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the summer months, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Symphyotrichum Adnatum is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Symphyotrichum Adnatum is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, the plant may occasionally be attacked by aphids or spider mites. To prevent these pests, keep the plant healthy and free from stress. If an infestation occurs, treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Symphyotrichum Adnatum is native to North America and is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Symphyotrichum Adnatum?
A: Water Symphyotrichum Adnatum regularly, especially during the summer months, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Symphyotrichum Adnatum?
A: Fertilize Symphyotrichum Adnatum in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Q: Can Symphyotrichum Adnatum tolerate partial shade?
A: Yes, Symphyotrichum Adnatum can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Symphyotrichum Adnatum?
A: Symphyotrichum Adnatum is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Related Plants
- Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae
- Symphyotrichum Laeve
- Symphyotrichum Lanceolatum
- Symphyotrichum Prenanthoides
References
- “Symphyotrichum Adnatum (Aiton) G.L. Nesom.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 19 July 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:981770-1.
- “Purple-stemmed Aster.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 19 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c644.
- “Symphyotrichum Adnatum.” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed 19 July 2021. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pk_asterx.htm.
