SafePlants

Climbing Aster: A Fall Garden Delight

Climbing aster, with its profusion of lavender daisy-like flowers, is a welcome sight in the fall garden. This native vine offers vibrant color and a pleasant fragrance just when many other plants are fading.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Names: Climbing Aster, Carolina Aster
• Scientific Names:
  • Ampelaster carolinianus
  • Symphyotrichum carolinianum
  • Aster carolinianus

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Genus: Ampelaster
• Basionym: Aster carolinianus Walter 1788

Distribution and Habitat

Climbing aster is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in wetland areas. It is commonly found throughout much of Florida, except for the far western Panhandle. It also grows in other states within the southeastern region.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This fast-growing vine can reach 10 feet tall and 6 feet across.
• It utilizes other plants or structures for support, scrambling vertically and interlacing its side branches.
• It can be trained to grow as a bush.
• The flowers are typically lavender/yellow.

Ecological Role

Climbing aster is described as not being an "aggressive" climber; however, it is also referred to as "weedy looking" until it blooms.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers attract butterflies.
• Honey bees are observed on similar aster species (Maryland golden aster).

Quirky Facts

• The flowers emit a pleasant scent, sometimes compared to toasted coconut.
• While commonly thought of as a vine, it can be trained to grow as a bush.