Aster laevis (Symphyotrichum Aster)

Symphyotrichum laeve, known as smooth aster, is commonly found in prairies, rocky glades, dry open forests, roadside banks, and thickets. Its stems are generally unbranched, bearing variably toothed, smooth, bluish-green leaves. In autumn, it produces small flowers with violet-blue to purple, occasionally white, petals surrounding yellow central disks, arranged in loose, open panicle clusters. This species is highly attractive to butterflies.