Climbing Aster
Symphyotrichum carolinianum

This is a vining wildflower found along rivers and wetlands across most of Florida. The pink or pale purple flowers with yellow centers appear in late summer. This cascade of flowers is a highlight of canoing trips during this time of year.

The two inch, lance shaped leaves are a grayish green. They are moderately attractive yet are are best grown mixed with shrubs and trees along a lake edge or stream. They will live for years and can be cut back in the spring.

Try mixing climbing aster with pond apple to climb on, or between masses of buttonbush, Virginia willow, cocoplum, giant leather fern, elderberry or saw palmetto.