Eurybia compacta (Slender Aster)

Eurybia compacta is known as the slender aster, a tight, diminutive fall blooming native perennial of open woodland savannas, bogs, and dry sandy soils in the Atlantic coastal plain.

Slender aster stays less than 2 feet in height, is politely clumping rather than rhizomatous. It will seed itself if there is room and low competition, to form an attractive and unimposing colony. Clusters of flowers from late summer to mid fall are colored a striking pale blue-violet to rose-purple, with yellow centers focused on the ends of its woody stems. The blooms attract a range of pollinating insects, including specialist bees.

Slender aster tolerates a range of conditions, most impressively growing in almost pure sandy substrate of pine barrens. As such we think it would do very well in xeric (rock) gardens, as well as porous ceramic container gardening, as well as difficult areas where few other plant species can live. It grows in average to moist well draining soils of common gardens quite happily.

Due to a loss of viable habitat and fire suppression, Eurybia compacta is becoming relegated to persistently mown country roadsides. This petite aster is rarely if ever found in cultivation, which is a shame considering its tolerances, polite growth, and attractive qualities.

Our plants were propagated by seed from wild populations along pine plantation roadsides in Sussex County, Virginia.