An Ample Aster

Flowering for over a month now is the Southeast (NC to Alabama) US native, Ampelaster carolinianus. This odd aster is actually a woody vine, and our plant below is growing on our 7′ tall deer fence. As you can see in the top image, it’s a great fall attractant for Monarch butterflies. The stems remain all winter, and the foliage regrows, starting in spring. Interestingly, climbing aster is an obligate wetland species, meaning it almost always occurs naturally in wetlands or in standing water. Despite this, our plant has thrived for decades in dry sandy soils in an unirrigated part of the garden. Hardiness Zone 7a-9b, at least.

Ampelaster carolinianus
Ampelaster carolinianus

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