Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (calico aster)

Hundreds of small blossoms cover this plant in fall. The flower centers start out pale yellow and then turn pink or magenta as they age, giving the plant its "calico" appearance. This color change is thought to be a signal to pollinators, directing them to the flowers which are not yet pollinated. Calico aster is beautiful when massed or mixed with other asters in a meadow. Short for an aster, it grows about 2 feet high and can thrive in either full sun or partial shade, and a variety of soil conditions. Blooms September-October.