Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Stokesia laevis |
| Family Name: | Asteraceae |
| Common Name(s): | Aster, Stokes Aster, Cornflower Aster |
| Size: | It generally grows to about 12 to 24 inches tall and can spread around 12 to 18 inches. |
| Plant Type: | Perennial Wildflower |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Its natural geographic distribution primarily spans from South Carolina to Florida, and west to Louisiana. This region's humid and warm climate is well-suited to the growth requirements of Stokes' aster, which thrives in these conditions. |
| Native to: | Native to the Southeastern United States. |
| Conservation Status: | Does not currently have a designated conservation status under major international bodies. It is not listed as endangered or threatened. |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant Stokes' aster in spring after the threat of frost has passed or in early fall, allowing roots to establish before winter. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for mature spread and air circulation, which helps prevent disease. |
| Sun Exposure: | Thrives in full sun to partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for prolific blooming. |
| Soil Type: | Opt for well-drained soil. The plant tolerates a range of soil types but does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Poorly drained or overly wet soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot. |
| Soil pH: | The ideal soil pH range for this plant is typically between 5.5 and 6.5 |
| Water Requirements: | After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Continue to water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Feed the plant in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support vigorous growth and blooming. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively, unless seed propagation is desired. |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate growth rate |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Good drought tolerance once it is established. |
| Frost Tolerance: | Good level of frost tolerance and can withstand low temperatures. Extended periods of extreme cold without protective snow cover or mulch might damage exposed foliage or flower buds. However, the root system typically remains viable and will resprout in the spring. Can survive winter temperatures down to -15°F (-26°C). |
| Heat Tolerance: | Is quite tolerant of heat, it performs best when daytime temperatures are generally below 90°F (32°C). However, it can tolerate higher temperatures, particularly if nights are cooler. Regular watering during periods of extreme heat helps maintain its health. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Has a moderate tolerance to wind. While it is relatively sturdy, strong winds can cause physical damage to the delicate flowers and bend or break the stems, particularly if they are tall and not supported. |
| Salt Tolerance: | Has limited salt tolerance. It is not particularly adapted to coastal environments where salty air and saline soil conditions prevail. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 5 through 9 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | None |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Medicinal: | No |
| Flower Color: | Large, showy flowers that can be blue, purple, white, or yellow. |
| Flower Shape: | The flowers of Stokes' aster, are characterized by their large, showy, aster-like heads, which consist of numerous slender, fringed petals radiating around a central disk. These blooms resemble a fluffy, intricate daisy. |
| Fragrance: | The flowers typically have a very subtle or no noticeable fragrance. They are primarily grown for their visual appeal rather than for any aromatic qualities. |
| Bloom Duration: | Blooms from early summer to early fall, with peak flowering occurring in mid-summer. The blooming period can be extended with proper care, such as deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Stokes' aster, is not typically self-pollinating. The flowers are adapted to attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, which facilitate cross-pollination. These pollinators transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the reproductive process and ensuring genetic diversity within the plant population. |
Wildlife
| Pollinators: | Bees, Butterflies, Moths, & Beetles. |
| Problematic Pest: | Aphids, Spider Mites, Slugs, Snails, & Whiteflies. |
| Attracts: | Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Beetles, Hummingbirds, Beneficial Predatory Insects, & Birds. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, however, it's always a good practice to encourage children and pets to avoid ingesting garden plants, as individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur even with non-toxic plants. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | No |
| Toxic to Animals: | No |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Root Rot, & Rust. |
Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis)
Stokesia laevis, commonly known as the Stokes' Aster or Stokes' Daisy, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to North America. It is in the family Asteraceae and has been around since at least 1790. This beautiful flower has become popular among gardeners due to its unique shape and long-lasting blooms. Let's take a closer look at this amazing species.
All in all, Stokes' Asters are truly magnificent plants that add beauty and life to any garden setting! Their unique colors and easy care requirements make them perfect for gardeners of any skill level looking to add some color into their outdoor space while still maintaining minimal upkeep throughout their growing season. With proper care and maintenance these beautiful plants can produce amazing blooms year after year with little effort on your part! If you're looking for an eye-catching addition to your garden this spring, then consider adding some Stokes' Asters into your flower beds – you won't regret it!
Companion Planting
Stokesia laevis, or Stokes' aster, is a versatile plant that pairs well with a variety of other perennials, creating visually appealing and ecologically beneficial combinations in the garden. Here are some excellent companion plants for Stokes' aster:
Companion Plants
Echinacea (Coneflower): Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions and their contrasting flower shapes can create a striking visual impact.
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): The golden yellow of Rudbeckia flowers pairs beautifully with the blues and purples of Stokes' aster, offering a classic color contrast.
Salvia: Offering vertical spikes of flowers, Salvia complements the more rounded form of Stokes' aster blooms, and they both appreciate full sun.
Sedum (Stonecrop): Particularly the autumn-flowering varieties of Sedum, which provide late-season interest alongside the late blooming Stokes' aster.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses such as Panicum (Switchgrass) or Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) provide a textural backdrop that highlights the striking blooms of Stokes' aster.
Nepeta (Catmint): With its sprawling habit and continual blooms, Nepeta fills in the spaces around Stokes' aster and adds a different texture with its fine, aromatic foliage.
Considerations for Companion Planting
Sunlight and Water Requirements: Choose plants with similar needs for sunlight and water to ensure that all can thrive together without one outcompeting the others.
Bloom Time: Combine plants with overlapping or successive bloom times to extend the visual interest throughout the growing season.
Height and Spread: Plan your garden layout considering the mature sizes of the plants to prevent overcrowding and to ensure each plant receives adequate space, light, and air circulation.
By integrating Stokes' aster with these companion plants, you can enhance the biodiversity of your garden and create a vibrant, flourishing landscape that provides extended interest and supports local wildlife.