Aster, a member of the Compositae family, is a genus containing 458 species.

This deciduous plant, Aster amellus, is a perennial that grows to nearly 2 1/2 feet tall, flowers in summer and fall, and will naturalize when grown in favorable conditions. It can be cultivated by either cuttings, division of the plant, or by seed. It grows in Zone 5-9 and prefers regular watering. Aster amellus can be grown in a container where its propensity to naturalize is a benefit to encourage you to divide the plant often - put the divided clump in another pot or share with family, neighbors, or a friend.

Aster novi-belgii 'Tiny Tot' stays a diminutive 1/2 foot tall; Aster novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill" grows to 4 feet tall. Aster alpinus and amellus grow to 1-1½ feet high. A broad assortment of Asters will grow in Zones 4-9.

Aster amellus attracts the butterfly Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) to feed in addition to the long list of butterflies that feed on other Aster species. The Red Admiral is shown below nectaring on an Echinacea. Asters attract a very long list of butterflies to feed. Bees will come to this plant as well.