Short's Aster - Symphyotrichium shortii

Features: Brilliant light purple flowers are an attractive nectar source for a range of bees, flies, butterflies and moths and the caterpillars of several butterflies and moths eat the leaves. Birds will eat the seeds and rabbits and other creatures will browse the foliage. May be short-lived but can reseed.

Light:  Partial shade to shade

Soil: Dry

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Blooms: Aug. to Oct.

See more information and photos at Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Photo Credit:  http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info