Stokesia laevis Stoke's Aster

Stokesia laevis has beautifully fringed, light blue to violet blue aster-like flowers held atop leafless stems. Plants form a rosette of smooth, dusty blue-green, lance-shaped leaves that have distinct pale midribs. The foliage of Stokesia laevis typically takes on a maroon cast in autumn. Stokesia laevis, also known as Stoke's Aster is native to the southeastern coastal plain of the United States from Louisiana to North Carolina. This perennial is typically found in wetlands, bottomland, wet pinewoods, savannas and ditches that are drier during the winter. Stokesia laevis prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Once established, Stokesia can tolerate poor, dry soil. It is long blooming if kept deadheaded. This plant dislikes wet soil in winter.