Carolina Climbing Aster

Carolina Climbing Aster (Symphotrichum carolinianum) syn (Aster carolinianus) is a late blooming fall favorite in the southern butterfly garden.

Climbing Aster, as the name implies, is more of a vine than a shrub. It does not have tendrils that wrap around support structures, rather it clambers up over shrubs or through low trees to spread. Fence lines or a few wooden supports can provide great structure for this plant and will become mostly hidden. This aster is deciduous but will keep blooming until the coldest part of the winter. After a freeze, expect climbing aster to be dormant.

Each flower is about and inch across and as the fall progresses it will bloom with profusion. The blossoms are fragrant and are attractive to bees and butterflies alike, especially in late fall when little else is in flower. Providing flowers that bloom at different times of year provides a constant nectar supply for the the wild butterflies in the area.