Growing Aster in Your Native Garden: A Guide to Symphyotrichum ×longulum
If you’re looking to add some native charm to your garden, you might have come across the intriguingly named Symphyotrichum ×longulum. This native aster brings the classic appeal of fall-blooming wildflowers to landscapes across select regions of the United States, though it remains something of a botanical mystery.
What Exactly Is Symphyotrichum ×longulum?
Symphyotrichum ×longulum is a perennial aster native to the lower 48 states. The × in its name is a telltale sign that this is a hybrid – essentially nature’s own cross between two parent aster species. Like other members of the aster family, it’s classified as a forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that dies back to the ground each winter and returns the following spring.
You might also see this plant listed under its older scientific name, Aster longulus, as botanical naming systems have evolved over time.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This aster has a rather limited natural range, currently documented in just three states: Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. This scattered distribution suggests it may be quite uncommon in the wild, appearing only where specific conditions allow the parent species to hybridize naturally.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While Symphyotrichum ×longulum is undoubtedly native and appears to pose no invasive threats, there’s surprisingly little specific information available about this particular hybrid. This scarcity of information suggests it’s either quite rare or simply hasn’t been extensively studied.
For most home gardeners, this presents a practical problem: without detailed growing information, successfully cultivating this specific hybrid could be tricky. Additionally, finding commercially available plants or seeds might prove difficult.
Alternative Native Asters to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of native asters in your landscape, consider these well-documented alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
- Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
- White Oldfield Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)
These species are well-researched, readily available, and provide excellent pollinator support while offering the same general aesthetic appeal as fall-blooming native asters.
General Aster Growing Tips
If you do manage to source Symphyotrichum ×longulum, here are some general guidelines that apply to most native asters:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide well-draining soil (most asters tolerate various soil types)
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as plants mature
- Expect fall blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators
- Allow plants to go to seed to feed birds through winter
- Cut back in late winter or early spring
The Bottom Line
While Symphyotrichum ×longulum represents an intriguing piece of native plant diversity, its rarity and lack of cultivation information make it an impractical choice for most gardeners. Instead, consider planting one of the many well-documented native asters that will reliably provide beautiful fall blooms, pollinator support, and wildlife benefits in your landscape.
If you’re particularly interested in rare native plants, work with reputable native plant societies or botanical gardens that might have access to responsibly sourced material and specific growing guidance for this elusive hybrid.
