This autumnal bloomer pairs beautifully with zigzag goldenrod, which also prefers shadier conditions. Short's aster's violet, larger-than-average flowers (1") are arranged in arching panicles that attract many species of pollinators and seed eaters. It prefers average to dry soils as long as it gets less sunshine in drier areas. 
 
Native habitats include upland woodlands, rocky open woodlands and slopes, limestone bluffs, woodland borders, and areas along woodland paths.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1 - 4' tall.
 
Prefers part or full shade.
 
Prefers average to moderately dry soils that are rocky or loamy. 
 
Blue-purple blooms August-October. Each flowerhead consists of 10-20 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The centers of the flowers start out yellow but turn brick red after pollination.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of 112 Lepidoptera species. Visitors include long- and short-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and flies. These insects obtain nectar or pollen from the flower heads. The plant also supports several specialist bee species.  Birds eat the seeds in winter.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
 
Resources:
Grow It, Build It: https://growitbuildit.com/shorts-aster-symphyotrichum-shortii/#benefits
 
Illinois Wildflowers: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/short_aster.htm
 
National Wildlife Federation: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants/3195
 
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sysh#:~:text=Use%20Ornamental:%20Flowers%20add%20clouds,Nectar%20Source:%20yes
 
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