Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3151421

Common Blue Wood Aster

Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Also known as Heartleaf Aster, Blue Wood Aster, Heart-leaved Aster

Common blue wood aster brightens dappled woodlands and forest edges across eastern North America, producing airy sprays of pale blue to lavender composite blossoms late in the growing season. Distinctive heart-shaped basal leaves give way to winged petioles along slender, branching stems that sway gracefully in autumn breezes. Its late-season nectar and pollen provide a vital lifeline for migrating butterflies, solitary bees, and newly mated queen bumblebees preparing for winter hibernation.

Late BloomerPollinator MagnetWoodland Wildflower
Common Blue Wood Aster reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Pearl Crescent Caterpillar
  • Eastern Cottontail
ThreatsCanopy overgrowth from fire suppression, habitat fragmentation, and competition from non-native invasive plants
HabitatsOpen deciduous woods, forest edges, savannas, clearings, and shaded roadsides
Life spanPerennial (several to many years)
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesSymphyotrichum cordifolium
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation timing: Look for blooming displays from late August through October when floral color peaks along shady trails.
  • Foliage check: Examine lower foliage to identify the characteristic heart-shaped leaf bases with winged leaf stalks.
Related species
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