Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description A woody-based sprawling shrub or vine bearing masses of large pinkish flowers in late fall.
Flowers: head to 1 1/2" (4 cm) wide; rays pink to lavender, surrounding yellow or reddish-yellow central disk; bracts whitish-green.
Leaves: alternate, elliptical, clasping.
Height: varies; climbs 6-12' (1.8-3.6 m) or more.

Flower September-November.

Habitat Swamps, thickets, marshes, and streamsides to open, sandy woods.

Range Atlantic coastal plain and piedmont, from South Carolina to Florida.

Discussion With its unusual rambling habit and abundance of blooms, this aster is a good choice for a southeastern native plant garden. It is a caterpillar food plant for the American Painted Lady butterfly and provides nectar for adult butterflies of many species.