Aromatic aster is a high plains native, that typically occurs on limestone glades, slopes, prairies and dry open ground. A bushy, stiff, compact, low-growing plant with hairy stems. Typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall, though infrequently to 3 tall, and about as wide. It has small, daisy-like flowers with violet blue rays and yellow center disks. Rigid, toothless, oblong, blue-green leaves are, as the common name suggests, fragrant when crushed. Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies. Tolerates poorer and drier soils than other asters. There are named cultivars available, selected for color or habit.
Grow in average, medium to dry, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Pinching back stems in late spring will lower overall plant height, but will also delay bloom onset and increase branches, increasing the number of blooms. A light winter mulch will help protect crowns. Cut stems to the ground in early spring before new growth appears. Wet soils in winter can be fatal.