A lovely Missouri native aster, Blue Wood Aster, Aster cordifolius, produces clouds of rich blue flowers in late summer and fall. It thrives in shady spots under trees, along the edges of woodlands, or sunny spots. Its showy masses of flowers range in color from dark to pale blue with sunny yellow centers.

Plants grow naturally in shady woods and meadows. Good for naturalize areas, and cottage and butterfly gardens. Makes a delightful cut flower. Deer resistant. An important late season nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Also know as Symphyotrichum cordifolius.

Planting instructions. Blue Wood Aster prefers a full sun to part shade location. Tolerates sun or shade. For best flowering place in a site that gets 3 hours or more of sun, morning sun with afternoon shade works well. Easily grow in average, dry or moist soil. They do not like consistently wet soil.