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Description
Symphyotrichum Dumosum, commonly known as the Bushy Aster, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada. The Bushy Aster blooms from late summer to early fall and produces beautiful blue or purple flowers. It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its hardiness and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Symphyotrichum |
Appearance
The Bushy Aster has a bushy and upright growth habit, typically growing to a height of 1-3 feet and a spread of 1-2 feet. The leaves are thin, lance-shaped, and have a dark green color. The flowers are daisy-like and have a diameter of 1 inch. The petals are blue or purple and surround a yellow center. The Bushy Aster blooms from late summer to early fall, and the flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
The Bushy Aster is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: The Bushy Aster prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be in standing water. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during times of drought.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Bushy Aster prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting.- Sunlight: The Bushy Aster prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The Bushy Aster is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bushy Aster is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If the plant does get infected, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Bushy Aster is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Bushy Aster be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Bushy Aster can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: Is the Bushy Aster deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the Bushy Aster is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I prune the Bushy Aster?
A: Prune the Bushy Aster in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground.
Q: How can I propagate the Bushy Aster?
A: The Bushy Aster can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant, divide it into smaller sections, and replant.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the Bushy Aster:- Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster)- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster)- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster)- Symphyotrichum patens (Late Purple Aster)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Symphyotrichum dumosum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j330- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Symphyotrichum dumosum. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/symphyotrichum-dumosum/
