Symphyotrichum lanceolatum aka White Panicle Aster

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, formerly known as Aster lanceolatus and Aster simplex, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America and has been introduced to Europe. Commonly known as panicled aster, tall white aster, eastern line aster, lance-leaf aster, narrow-leaf Michaelmas daisy, and white-panicle aster, this perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, sometimes reaching 2 meters. The lance-shaped leaves are generally hairless but may feel slightly rough to the touch due to tiny bristles. The flowers grow in clusters and branch in panicles, with 16-50 white ray florets that can be up to 14 millimeters long and sometimes tinged pink or purple. The flower centers consist of disk florets that change color from yellow to purple as they mature. Panicled aster occurs in a wide variety of mostly moist and open habitats, including riparian areas, meadows, and ditches. It has a stout rhizome and can spread to form a clonal colony as well as reproduce by wind-blown seed. However, its rhizomatic spreading and production of chemicals that can be harmful to other plants can cause damage to ecosystems outside its native range, as seen in Europe where it has been introduced. Symphyotrichum lanceolatum is currently divided into subspecies and varieties which have minor differences in appearance and vary in chromosome counts as well as distribution, with some overlap. It is a conservationally secure species whose late-summer and fall appearing flowers play an important role for late-season pollinators and nectar-seeking insects such as bumblebees, wasps, and hoverflies. The plant has also been used by indigenous peoples of the Americas for medicinal purposes and has been cultivated as an ornamental garden plant and used in the cut flower industry. As a houseplant, panicled aster is a super rare species that requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Soil that is well draining is ideal, and the plant should be repotted each time it doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers.