Fall Blooming Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Fall blooming aster is a favorite for vibrant fall color. The fall aster is an unimpressive plant until the flowers emerge. You kind of want to dig them up in the summer since they look like weeds.
The aster is a small growing and mounding plant that works great as a front tier plant with a back drop of larger plants. It tolerates shade which is a nice addition to any semi-shady area.