Elliot's aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii), also known as swamp aster or southern swamp aster, is a Florida-native perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family. Widespread across much of the state (except the western Panhandle), it thrives in moist to wet habitats including swamps, freshwater and brackish marshes, wet flatwoods, roadside ditches, bogs, and edges of wetlands—often forming dense stands in sunny, low-lying areas with consistently moist or periodically inundated soils.
This herbaceous perennial typically grows 2–4 feet tall (sometimes reaching 4–6 feet in ideal conditions), spreading by underground stolons (rhizomes) to create clumps or colonies over time. Stems are upright to somewhat arching, often branched in the upper portion, with rough or hairy texture. 
In late summer through fall—typically peaking in mid-to-late autumn—Elliot's aster produces abundant, showy flower heads in loose, open clusters at the branch tips. The flowers are white to pale purple with a yellow center. The fragrant flowers create a soft, cloud-like effect, often described as lavender cotton candy dotting the landscape, and persist for weeks, providing one of the last major nectar sources of the season.These blooms are a magnet for pollinators, drawing butterflies (such as monarchs), bees, bumblebees, and other native insects. 


Low-maintenance and adaptable, Elliot's aster prefers full sun and evenly moist to wet soils (it tolerates occasional flooding but not prolonged dry conditions). It's ideal for moist wildflower gardens, wetland edges, rain gardens, or naturalized areas where it can spread freely. As a Florida native, it supports local ecosystems while adding late-season color and fragrance to the landscape.
Native to Florida and other states
Natural range in FL includes most of the states
2-4' tall and 2-4' wide
Full sun for best blooms but can handle shade
Prefers soils that remain moist
Can be grown in zones 8-10
 
Size: 1 gal
 
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