Hairy Aster Plant Profile

Hairy Aster Plant Profile

Hairy Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) is native throughout the eastern half of the United States. It is a perennial wildflower with small daisy-like flowers running along tall stems. The stems have a hairy texture—hence the common name.

It’s other common names include Frost Aster, Awl Aster, Steelweed, and Hairy White Oldfield Aster.

Hairy Aster blooms from summer into fall and is hardy to zones 3 to 9.

It grows best in full sun. It thrives in disturbed soils such as along roadways. It is also salt-resistant and drought-tolerant.

Hairy Aster is visited by many kinds of pollinators. Its seeds are also a winter food source for songbirds.

If left to go to seed, it will self-sow easily. It is low-maintenance and requires no fertilizing or other care.

Hairy Aster: You Can Grow That!

 

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio and Text by Kathy Jentz

Video and Editing by Ellen Isaacson

 

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If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ White Wood Aster

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/10/white-wood-aster-plant-profile.html

~  Baptisia Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/baptisia-plant-profile.html

~ Gentian Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/10/gentian-plant-profile.html

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Plant Profile: Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a small woody shrub that is hardy from zones 5 to 9. This herb is used for culinary and healing purposes. It has an intense flavor that works well with pork and poultry dishes as well as with winter squash or as a tea.

Sage grows best in well-draining soils. It can also do well in a container. Plant it in full sun. Do not fertilize sage. It may grow faster, but fertilizing will result in less flavorful leaves.

Snip off the tender tips of each branch in the morning to use them fresh. To store sage for later use, harvest no more than half the plant about twice during the growing season. Sage is easy to dry by hanging cuttings in a well-ventilated area. You can bind up dried white sage and create a smudge stick to burn for a cleansing ceremony.

After a few years, your sage plant will become woody and not taste as good. You can then take cuttings or layer it to start new plants.

There are several varieties of sage that are commonly available. One of our favorites is Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’), which looks lovely in the garden and is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner.

Sage - You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Visuals by Nicole Noechel
Audio by Kathy Jentz

 

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

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