Description: Clusters of blue-purple flowers that bloom in late summer to fall.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial. 4 ft height
Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade.
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant.
Soil Preferences: Well-drained, average soil.
Benefits: Attracts pollinators and adds late-season color. Great for prairie plantings and borders. Deer-resistant.
 
From Prairie Moon Nursery:
The leaves on Smooth Blue Aster are indeed smooth to the touch. The similar-looking Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) has rough leaves, as do many other Asters.  The tough stem often takes on a shade of blue also and will allow Smooth Blue Aster to stand tall during its long late summer to mid fall bloom.  A non-aggressive rhizomatous root system allows the plant to spread slowly.  In a garden setting, Smooth Blue Aster will persist for many years. 
 
The beautiful late blooming flowers attract many different pollinators. Smooth Blue Aster is also a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot and the Pearl Crescent butterflies.