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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14h

The lower leaves have petioles that can be winged and the margins of leaves can have a slight wave. (2/2)

Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14h

Wavy-leaved aster (Symphyotrichum undulatum) is a small, part-shade aster with fairly good distribution in the state. This one was found in a dry woods in Cobb County. The plant is 1-2 feet tall with a small panicle of flowers with pale blue to lavender-colored rays. (1/2)

Cluster of purple wildflowers with yellow centers on a stem.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Purple aster is found throughout the eastern US and is generally in the northern counties of Georgia and the northern part of the Coastal Plain. The stem is not very upright so this looks good mixed with native grasses and goldenrod in an informal garden. (3/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

A smaller flower head (1 inch) and a bright yellow center of disk flowers helps to distinguish it from Georgia aster which grows in similar conditions and has similar clasping, rough leaves. (2/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

A larger, showier and more sun-loving aster blooming now is the “late” purple aster, Symphyotrichum patens. Not sure why it is called “late” as it seems to bloom during the earliest wave of native asters. (1/3)

Purple flower with yellow center in focus with green blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

It is naturally found in open meadows and woodland edges where it is enjoyed by bees and small butterflies such as skippers. (3/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This perennial is every bit as attractive and dependable as its relatives (it also is related to the great blue lobelia, L. siphilitica, which blooms a full month earlier) and should be used more often in fall garden designs. (2/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Speaking of blue flowers, while its showier sibling, cardinal flower, is finishing up, downy lobelia (Lobelia puberula) modestly opens up gorgeous blue flowers. (1/3)

Tall purple flower with small blooms in a meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

The heart-shaped leaves are most noticeable on the lower part of the plant and they are finely toothed. Native to north Georgia with scattered occurrences in the Coastal Plain as well. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

A soft blue aster is heart-leaved blue aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium). Small flowers cluster closely along the stems, with numerous branches reaching up 3-4 feet tall. This aster is fine with part-shade and tolerates a range of moisture conditions. (1/2)

Several small white wildflowers with green leaves on a blurred dark background.

A close-up of a green leaf with brown discoloration.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

However, this plant is associated with “milk sickness” because toxins in the plant can transfer in the milk of dairy cows. (3/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

There is a dark-foliaged cultivar called ‘Chocolate' but since that cultivar has dark leaves, it is not recommended to use. The common name comes from the belief that the rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. (2/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A charming white flower blooming now is white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) formerly known as Eupatorium rugosum. A member of the aster family, it has small rayless flowers arranged in clusters. The bright flowers and rich green leaves make this a handsome part-shade perennial. (1/3)

White wildflowers with small blooms surrounded by green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The leaves can be used to make teas, and the underground roots were formerly used medicinally. This plant is host to several species of moth, popular with bees, and a welcome late summer flower in the shade garden. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis) is a perennial in the mint family blooming now along moist streamsides (although it will grow in drier soils). Foliage and flowers of this mint family member have a citronella-like fragrance. (1/2)

Bee on a small flowering plant with green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Its ability to thrive on disturbed soil as well as the numerous seeds that produces ensure that roadsides with this plant will probably have it for years to come. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The third genus of goldenaster that you might find is Heterotheca subaxillaris, a tall annual plant that is blooming now on roadsides with bright yellow flowers. Also known as camphorweed, the plant has a strong odor to the foliage. (1/2)

Cluster of yellow wildflowers in green grass.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Cottony goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina) is another species related to the Maryland aster we posted yesterday; cottony goldenaster, however, is strictly a Coastal Plain species but it does overlap the range of Maryland aster. Notice the cottony buds of the unopened flowers.

A yellow flower with some dew drops and blurred background.

Close-up of a small white wildflower with a yellow center.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The deep green foliage is attractive even when the plant is not blooming, topped in late summer by clusters of bright yellow flowers. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Maryland goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana) is another goldenaster. Native throughout the state, this perennial can be found in dry rocky soils such as roadsides and meadows/fields. (1/2)

Cluster of yellow wildflowers with green leaves in background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

In this picture it is blooming alongside the petite orangegrass (Hypericum gentianoides), an annual species of St. John’s wort. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Another species of Pityopsis (the goldenaster featured yesterday) is Pityopsis pinifolia, a species known as Taylor County goldenaster. It is found only in a few counties, Taylor County being one of them. As indicated by its species name (pinifolia), the leaves are very thin. (1/2)

Yellow wildflowers with green stems in a meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Silver-colored foliage is attractive year-round and the medium yellow flowers appear in late summer. It is suitable as a groundcover in dry, sunny areas but may be aggressive in garden soil. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Goldenaster is a common name given to at least 3 different plants in Georgia. All of them are blooming now, so we’ll feature them over the next 3 days. The first one is also known as silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), a misleading name as it is not a grass at all but has grass-like leaves. (1/2)

Five yellow wildflowers with narrow petals and stems in focus above a blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

If you sow seeds indoors, you’ll have early flowers. Seeds left to germinate on their own won’t get started until soil temperatures are warm enough. Once it’s growing, the blooms are non-stop until frost, giving hummingbirds and certain butterflies plenty to be happy about. Full sun, please! (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Another annual is scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) although current thinking is that it is not native to Georgia (but it is sold in Georgia and included in seed mixes). Although this species is an annual plant it usually reseeds enough to have more the next year. (1/2)

Red wildflowers with surrounding green leaves and stems.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

These tall annuals are one of the host plants for the common Buckeye butterfly. This caterpillar was on A. fasciculata in south Georgia last week. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Purple false foxglove (Agalinis purpurea) is a larger annual (compared to yesterday's species) blooming now along with other relatives like Agalinis fasciculata (beach false foxglove). Agalinis species are hemiparasitic on grasses so you’ll find them generally with native grasses. (1/2)

Four purple flowers with green stems and leaves.

Caterpillar with vibrant colors on a plant stem surrounded by greenery.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Bees love this plant! Each flower only lasts one day. It’s also a host plant for the common buckeye butterfly. This plant is said to be hemiparasitic on other plants, perhaps grasses. The roadside where this was photographed does have a number of native grasses and returns every year. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Slender-leaved false foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia) is another late summer annual. This small plant likely won’t be noticed on rocky woodland edges or roadsides. Once the flowers open, the small pink-purple blossoms might catch your eye - but they won’t be overlooked by bumblebees. (1/2)

Purple wildflowers with small buds and green stems.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It is fairly well distributed throughout the state, and there are couple of other species as well. It is rather small, generally only 12-18 inches tall and is found on dry, open woodland edges. Bees like it. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

In addition to our native trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials – we also have native annual plants. They start and complete their life cycle in the same growing year. This one is blooming now – it is called forked blue curls (Trichostema dichotomum). (1/2)

Small purple flowers on stems with green leaves in focus.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The foliage is a soft, blue-green color. Native range is Georgia isn’t very well documented like it is for our neighbors on either side. It is often sold at native plant sales as it’s fairly easy to grow. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Boltonia asteroides is a tall perennial with large aster-like flowers (hence the species “asteroides”). It is a member of the Aster family, of course, but the tall, lanky look isn’t what we think of when someone says aster. (1/2)

White daisies with yellow centers growing among green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The flowers are popular with bumblebees and the occasional hummingbird. This perennial is in the mint (Lamiaceae) family and blooms in late summer/early fall and spreads via seeds and roots. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is another favorite pass-along plant, just like yesterday’s blue mistflower/ageratum. The common name “obedient” plant comes not from the plant behaving in your garden, but from the flowers holding their position if you move them with your finger. (1/2)

Purple wildflowers growing beside a wooden border.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

The gift lives on in ditches where old homesites used to be. It mixes well with fall-blooming yellow plants but make sure you are ready for it to pass itself along to other parts of your yard! It was chosen by our members as the 2024 Plant of the Year. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Rambunctious blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is blooming now and butterflies couldn’t be happier! This plant, once known as a Eupatorium and also known by the common name hardy ageratum, has been a favorite pass-along plant for many generations. (1/2)

Bee pollinating fuzzy purple flowers with yellow flowers in the background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In fact, it's robust enough to hold up even a grown monarch butterfly! Plant goldenrods, folks. They aren't giving you hay fever, but they are helping out a whole lotta insects! (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Solidago petiolaris is the last in our series on Georgia goldenrods. We'll cover some of the other fall flowers next. This species grows to about 3 feet tall, isn't aggressive, and has fairly large and handsome yellow flowers. (1/2)

Monarch butterfly on yellow flowers surrounded by greenery.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

So while you may not want this particular one in your garden (but maybe along your road), please give it a cheerful nod this season and recognize what a powerful workhorse it is for the native critters around us. (3/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Tall goldenrod, like all goldenrods, is a host plant to over 100 different butterflies and moths – more than any other perennial. And come winter, its seedheads will nourish many a songbird. (2/3)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This is the goldenrod that you see on the side of the road and the one mistakenly blamed for fall allergies. Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), is a perennial, rhizomatous native flower that keeps our roadsides cheerful and our bees/late butterflies happy as a bountiful source of nectar. (1/3)

Yellow wildflowers blooming in a green field.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Small clusters of flowerheads form in the leaf axils instead of in terminal clusters like many of the other goldenrods, a good way to help identify this one. Stems may turn bluish or purplish in color over time. A beautiful late-season perennial to add color and insect support to your garden. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

There are some shade tolerant goldenrods. This one is blue-stem or wreath goldenrod, Solidago caesia. This perennial grows to about 3 feet tall but the stems usually arch away from the center so it may not even be that tall; growth habit is clumping so this is very well behaved. (1/2)

Yellow flowers on a branch with insects crawling on them.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This cultivar was propagated by Niche Gardens nursery after it was discovered as a natural sport. Since the foliage and blooms were not altered with this cultivar (it was selected for form), insects should find it just as tasty as the species. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Solidago rugosa is called wrinkle-leaf goldenrod. It’s most often sold as the cultivar ‘Fireworks.’ A compact, mildly-spreading selection, its especially showy panicles of flowers have become popular in landscape design where it has helped champion the cause of native plants in garden design. (1/2)

Mailbox surrounded by yellow flowers and green plants.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Occasionally the leaves will turn to burgundy towards the end of the season, a beautiful complement to the flowers. (2/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Here is the other species with the common name “showy goldenrod.” This is Solidago erecta and it is a well behaved “clumper.” When undisturbed, it produces a single long wand of flowers; if nipped by a deer or broken by accident, it will produce multiple shorter stalks. (1/2)

A yellow flower on a long stem with grass in the background.

Close-up of green leaves with reddish tips among grass.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

It even tolerates being in a large pot with other perennials. (2/2)

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