WESTERN SILVERY ASTER (Symphiotrichum sericeus)
Actually, this is my favourite aster! The plants tend to be rather scrappy-looking, but the magenta-coloured flowers are the most beautiful of all the asters. The leaves are covered in long, silky hairs and are wonderful to feel, even when the plants are very young. Though western silvery aster is listed as Threatened in Canada, it was grandfathered because it was propagated by native plant nurseries prior to it being listed.
Flower Colour: magenta
Sun Exposure: full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: August – September
Height: 1 – 2 ft
Soil: dry