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Asters – Keystone Plants Essential to Biodiversity
Some native plants play a crucial role in supporting a significant part of the local food web. Known as keystone plants, they sustain butterfly caterpillars, which are essential to birds, bats, and other insectivores.
While all native plants are valuable, some have a disproportionate impact. According to Tallamy and Shropshire (2009), about 5% of local plant genera host 70 to 75% of caterpillar species. Without them, biodiversity declines drastically.
Asters, belonging to the Symphyotrichum genus, are keystone plants. Incorporating them into gardens or balconies directly supports pollinators, strengthening ecological resilience. A small action with a big impact!
Combo containing 4 packets of seeds from four native aster species.
These four highly ornamental species attract pollinators and promote biodiversity while providing nectar late in the season.
- Blue wood aster, featuring charming small flowers ranging from violet to lavender, blooming from August to October.
- Flat-top white aster, one of the tallest asters in Quebec, with clusters of small white flowers blooming from July to September.
- New England aster, a stunning aster with violet flowers that bloom between August and October, playing a crucial role as a late-season nectar source.
- White panicled aster, with elegant flowers in shades of blue to violet, blooming from July to October.
Sowing and cultivation, technical details
See the cultivation notes on the product page for each of these seeds.
The seeds of all four species in this combo require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes on the product page for each of these species for more details.
Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.