Image of Symphyotrichum puniceum
Source: Cephas
image of Flowering plant
Symphyotrichum puniceum
Purple-stemmed Aster
Aster ponceau

Synonyms

bog aster
bristly aster
red-stemmed aster
swamp aster
Seeds in stock
Available at table Mixed Sun, Wet

We are not accepting seeds for this plant at the moment.

Bloom Colour: Blue Bloom Period: Aug - Sep
Max Height: 5.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 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 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:
wetland garden Suitable for wetland garden
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Ecological Benefits:
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
Foot Traffic Tolerant Tolerates foot traffic around the plant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
causes skin rashes This plant causes skin rashes

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Symphyotrichum puniceum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Plains
  • Prairies
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Symphyotrichum puniceum

  • 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 puniceum

  • 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

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)
  • 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: October
  • 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 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake 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.