By Laurel Babcock, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer of Durham County

This is the first installment in our new ongoing series, Native Notes, where we’ll explore native plants that support sustainability and biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems, thrive naturally in our region, and—did we mention—are absolutely beautiful.

Climbing aster (Ampelaster caroliniana) in bloom. This plant offers both lovely fall blooms and essential wildlife shelter and support. (Image credit: Laurel Babcock)

In the fall a few years back, I gave my friend and fellow Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer Lissa Lutz a tour of my garden. As she entered the backyard she pointed to my fence and exclaimed, “What is that??!! It’s stunning! I need one!!” She was talking about the native climbing aster I had growing up a tall deer fence at the edge of my property. Among all the diverse plants in my yard, come fall, the climbing aster stands out as a gem in the garden.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Climbing aster or Ampelaster caroliniana belongs to the Asteraceae family, a group that includes a wide variety of flowering plants, many of which are commonly known as daisies, asters, or sunflowers. The genus name Ampelaster is derived from the Greek words “ampelos” (meaning vine) and “aster” (meaning star), which likely refers to the plants star-shaped flowers and its climbing, vine-like growth habit. The species name caroliniana indicates the plant’s geographic origins, as it is primarily found in the southeastern coastal plain, especially in areas like the Carolinas, Georgia, and surrounding regions. It was previously known as Aster carolinianus or Symphyotrichum carolinianum.

Appearance

Climbing aster is a herbaceous perennial that grows primarily as a dense deciduous vine reaching anywhere from 5 to 10 or more feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. The plant’s leaves are grey-green, simple, alternate and ovate, giving it a delicate and intricate look.

This map shows in its shaded areas the distribution of climbing aster throughout the Southeastern United States. (Image credit: North Carolina Botanic Garden’s Flora of the Southeastern United States map)

Habitat and Distribution

One of the most striking features of Ampelaster caroliniana is its flowers. The plant produces thousands of small, star-like blossoms that range in color from pale purple to pink. Each flower consists of a central disc surrounded by a ring of delicate, petal-like ray florets.

Ampelaster caroliniana thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and forest edges to swamps and river banks. It is commonly found in the southeastern U.S., including North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and parts of Florida. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, often in moist, but well-drained areas in part to full sun. Its ability to climb and spread quickly makes it well-suited to growing in areas with ample support structures, such as trees, shrubs, posts or fences.

Ecological Importance

As a native species, climbing aster plays an important role in local ecosystems. Its climbing habit provides vertical structure in the environment, offering shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small mammals. I often find anoles and small birds like the Carolina Wren hanging out in the branches. The plant is a larval host to the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) caterpillars. In addition, the late-blooming flowers also provide a crucial food source for pollinators during the late summer and fall, a time when many other flowering plants have already completed their bloom cycles. The leftover seeds also provide food for songbirds and small mammals.

Cultivation and Garden Use

Gardeners appreciate climbing aster not only for its beauty but also for its relatively easy care. I use it in my garden along the property line to create a sense of privacy. Even though the vine is deciduous, the branches intertwine so thickly that even in the winter it creates a nice screen. Climbing aster can be propagated by seed, division, layering, or cuttings. I personally have not had luck germinating the plant by seed though it is known to do so in the wild.

In summary, whether serving as a pollinator attractant in the wild or as part of a more intentional garden setting, climbing aster proves to be a resilient and valuable plant. As more gardeners and ecologists become aware of its merits, I hope that this native species will receive greater attention and protection in the years to come.

Resources and Additional Information

Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

More on climbing asters from the NC Botanical Garden: Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) – FSUS

Gardening tips from a pollinator ecology expert: Gardens loved by pollinators

Edited by Susan Sharpe and Astrid Cook-Dail, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers of Durham County

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