Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster)

A genuinely exceptional ecological anchor even among asters, calico aster is documented as a host plant for 112 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including the specialist aster flowerhead moth, aster-head phaneta, and Hoffman's cochlid moths alongside the Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterflies - and it serves as a critical fall food source for over 100 species of bees, flies, wasps, moths, butterflies, and beetles.

Species Overview

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, commonly called calico or side-flowering aster, is a bushy perennial wildflower native to the eastern half of North America, growing 2 to 4 feet tall with horizontally spreading branches. Small white flowerheads with disk centers that shift from yellow to deep red or purple with age - giving individual clusters a multicolored, "calico" appearance - bloom prolifically from late summer into fall.

Application

• Exceptional larval host habitat - 112 documented Lepidoptera species
• Critical fall food source for 100+ bee, fly, wasp, moth, butterfly, and beetle species
• Shady woodland, rain garden, and pollinator plantings
• Monarch and bumble bee queen fall fueling habitat ahead of migration/hibernation

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade (tolerates full sun with consistently moist soil)
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to dry, well-drained soils, including clay; tolerates occasional flooding
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A shade-tolerant aster rated FAC-leaning on wetland indicator status per earlier work, consistent with a wetland-adjacent habitat.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; September-November
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Spreads by self-seeding and roots to form clumps and large colonies; pinching back stem tips in early summer promotes a bushier, more compact form.