Smooth Blue Aster Symphyotrichum laeve 'Orpheus'

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Smooth Blue Aster, Smooth Aster

• Common names

  Aster laevis 'Orpheus', Virgulus laevis 'Orpheus'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Symphyotrichum laeve, commonly known as the smooth blue aster, is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause a reaction in some individuals due to allergies or sensitivities. If there were any toxicity, symptoms would vary depending on the individual's sensitivity, but generally, non-toxic plants might cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.

• To pets

  The smooth blue aster is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. If a pet were to ingest part of this plant, it is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, as with humans, individual animals might have sensitivities that could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. As always, it's best to prevent pets from eating plants since variability in reactions can occur.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  3 feet 6 inches [1.07 meters]

• Spread

  2 feet [0.61 meters]

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: Symphyotrichum laeve 'Orpheus', commonly known as Smooth Blue Aster, is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination in gardens and ecosystems.
• Adds aesthetic value: With its striking blue to violet flowers, this perennial plant can greatly enhance the visual appeal of a garden or landscape.
• Drought tolerant: Smooth Blue Aster is quite drought-resistant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens or xeriscaping.
• Provides seasonal interest: Blooming in late summer to fall, it offers color and interest to the garden during a time when many other plants are past their peak.
• Supports wildlife: The plant serves as a food source for various insects and provides habitat, playing a role in local biodiversity.
• Easy to care for: Smooth Blue Aster is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it easy to maintain.
• Versatile landscaping: It can be used in borders, wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, or as part of a prairie planting to create diverse garden designs.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Artistic medium: The leaves and flowers of the Smooth Blue Aster can be used for botanical prints or natural dye-making, adding unique patterns and colors to fabrics or paper.
• Garden themes: It's ideal for creating themed gardens, such as 'moon gardens,' where the light-colored flowers glow in the moonlight and 'butterfly gardens,' providing nectar for pollinators.
• Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers of the Smooth Blue Aster add a wildflower charm to any bouquet and work well in autumnal flower arrangements.
• Erosion control: The plant can be used on slopes or areas prone to erosion due to its relatively robust root system that helps anchor the soil.
• Photography subject: The striking blue flowers make the Smooth Blue Aster a popular subject for photographers specializing in macro photography or nature scenes.
• Companion planting: The plant can be used as a companion to vegetable gardens, attracting beneficial insects and aiding in pest control.
• Education: The Smooth Blue Aster can be used in educational settings such as schools, to teach children about native plants and the importance of biodiversity.
• Wildlife habitat creation: When planted in larger groups, they can create a mini-habitat offering shelter and food for small wildlife within a larger garden or landscape.
• Fall interest: This plant can be used to extend the visual interest in a garden as many other flowers have finished blooming by the time the Smooth Blue Aster is in its prime.
• Perfumery: While not a traditional use, the subtle scent of the Smooth Blue Aster could inspire natural perfume blends that evoke the essence of late summer and early fall.

Feng Shui

The Smooth Blue Aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Smooth Blue Aster is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Hope: The Symphyotrichum laeve 'Orpheus', commonly known as the Smooth Blue Aster, often symbolizes hope due to its late bloom in the season, bringing color and life as other plants begin to fade.
• Patience: As the Smooth Blue Aster blooms late in the year, it represents the virtue of patience, teaching the importance of waiting for the right moment to shine.
• Eternity: Asters have long been associated with the concept of eternity because of their star-like shape, suggesting the vastness of the universe and the timeless nature of the soul.
• Wisdom: In some contexts, asters are connected with wisdom, possibly because of their association with the Greek goddess Asteria, who embodies the prophetic dreams and astrology.
• Love and Devotion: As with many flowers, the Smooth Blue Aster can also be a symbol of love and devotion, indicating a steadfastness and unwavering commitment akin to the persistence of the flower to bloom each year.