Showy Aster vs Yellow Hedysarum - TreeTime.ca

Showy Aster vs Yellow Hedysarum

Eurybia conspicua

Hedysarum sulphurescens

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Showy Aster
Yellow Hedysarum

Showy Aster is a native perennial wildflower recognized for its tall stems topped with clusters of light purple blooms. Blooming from late summer into autumn, it provides an important late-season source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. It also produces seeds that are eaten by birds, extending its value to wildlife beyond the flowering season.

Drought tolerant once established, Showy Aster grows well in urban, rural, and disturbed sites. With its mix of ecological value and ornamental appeal, it is ideal for pollinator gardens, naturalization projects, and ecological restoration.

Yellow Hedysarum is a native perennial wildflower recognised for its clusters of bright yellow pea-like blooms. It adds colour to grasslands, roadsides, and open woods. It is also a nitrogen fixer, which helps improve soil fertility. Because of its deep root system, it contributes to slope and soil stabilisation.

The plant provides forage for wildlife and cover for small animals, especially its roots. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees.

Yellow Hedysarum plays an important role in prairie and foothill ecosystems. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, naturalisation, pollinator gardens, and erosion control projects.

Showy Aster Quick Facts

Yellow Hedysarum Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Spreading: seeds - low


Flowers: purple-blue, with yellow centers
Flowers: creamy yellow, in dense spikes
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Bloom time: late spring to summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: western showy aster
Other Names: sulphur hedysarum, sulphur sweet-vetch, yellow sweet-vetch