Symphyotrichum carolinianum

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Climbing Aster

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Also known as Aster carolinianus

Plant Specifics

Form:Vine
Size:to 10 ft
Life Span:Long-lived perennial
Flower Color:Pink,purple,lavender
Fruit Color:NA
Phenology:Blooms from late summer well into fall, through the winter in south Florida.
Noted for:Showy flowers, Interesting foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:Use as a sprawling vine in wet areas. Works well as a stand-alone border along the edges of retention ponds.
Considerations:Its sprawling or climbing habit make it best for an informal or naturalized setting.
Propagation:Seed.
Availability:Quality nurseries, Seed
Light: Full Sun,  Part Shade
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Stays Wet ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding)
Moisture Tolerance: Stays Wet ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray
Soil or other substrate:Pond, lake, or stream bottom, Organic material (muck), Sand
Soil pH:

Ecology

Wildlife:
Insects:
  

Flowers draw a myriad of native bees, including polyestersweatcuckooleafcutterminingbumble and chimney bees.

Butterflies and moths also love them: MonarchsPearl crescentsskippersfritillariesCommon buckeyesGray hairstreaksswallowtails and sulphurs have been known to frequent the flowers for nectar. (Florida Wildflower Foundation blog)

 

Native Habitats:Marshes, swamps, lake edges, river banks, coastal hammocks, floodplains.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 8A 8B 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures