Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve 'Bluebird' (Smooth Aster) is one of the very best of our native Asters, providing a profusion of 1-inch violet-blue flowers held in clusters at the tips of the growing stems. Attractive blue-green foliage provides garden interest prior to the showy flowers. 'Bluebird' was introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt. Cuba Center botanical gardens where it was rated as the #1 performing Aster in their garden evaluation of the genus. Asters should be a mainstay of the late summer and fall garden—they’re easy-to-grow and invaluable nectar sources for all types of native bees and butterflies, including migrating Monarchs. Growing readily in a wide range of soil types including clay, Bluebird Smooth Aster is a care-free perennial that should be planted in every garden.