Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Fr: aster à feuilles cordées | En: heart-leaved aster, blue wood aster)

I consider Heart-leaved Aster a must have for the urban fall garden, its lavender or white coloured flowers provide the last hurrah before winter arrives. In my yard generally flowering between September-November. It is relatively shade tolerant and thrives in partial sunlight, it is also amenable to a variety of soil conditions. Consider planting next to trees or other partly shaded areas. Although, this aster will also thrive in full sunlight.

This plant attains a height of 1 meter or less, though with water and fertilization can obtain shrub like sized in excess of 1 meter. 

Habitat: This plant can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges. It is a common sight in the Ottawa Valley and other parts of eastern North America.

Sun Requirements: Heart-leaved Aster prefers partial to full sun, but can tolerate some shade.

Moisture Requirements: It grows best in consistently moist to wet soils, but can tolerate drier soils once established.

Height and Spread: Heart-leaved Aster typically grows to a height of 30-90 cm and has a spread of 30-60 cm.

Flowering Season: It blooms from late summer to early fall, typically from August to September.

Benefits to Nature: Heart-leaved Aster provides important nectar and pollen resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its flowering season. Its foliage and seeds also provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Additionally, it is a larval host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. As a native wildflower, Heart-leaved Aster is an important component of healthy ecosystems and helps to support biodiversity.