A short, compact aster with attractive foliage that looks great all year. Stiffleaf aster (and other asters) will attract a number of bee species as well as butterflies.  The flowers are pale- or blue-violet with yellow centers. It prefers well-drained, in partial shade; it will persist in rich soil but may be lost amongst larger plants until it finally blooms in the fall.

Uses:  Drought tolerant, rock gardens, bees, butterflies
Bloom time:  September - October

Height:  10 to 15 inches
Space:  12 to 16 inches

Sun:  Full sun to medium shade
Moisture:  Dry to average in rocky, sandy, acidic soil