Symphyotrichum laeve, commonly called smooth aster, typically occurs in prairies, rocky glades, dry open woods, roadside banks, and thickets. Stems are usually unbranched with variable, mostly toothed, smooth, bluish-green foliage. Small flowers with violet-blue to purple (sometimes white) rays and yellow center disks appear in autumn's open, loose, panicle-like clusters.A non-aggressive rhizomatous root system allows the plant to spread slowly.  In a garden setting, Smooth Blue Aster will persist for many years. Attractive to butterflies.