Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) grows well in part shade with dry to medium soil moisture. The white to pale purple flowers grow along the branching stems of the plant, giving it a delicate appearance. As the flowers mature, the centres shift in colour from yellow to pink.
Asters are keystone species that support many pollinators as both nectar sources and host plants. They are larval host plants to many specialized mining bee species (Family Andrenidae), dozens of moth species and many butterflies including the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and Crescent butterflies (Genus Phyciodes).