Showy Aster vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Showy Aster vs Water Arum

Eurybia conspicua

Calla palustris

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Showy Aster
Water Arum

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.

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

Showy Aster Quick Facts

Water Arum Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low


Toxicity: toxic if ingested
Flowers: purple-blue, with yellow centers
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: western showy aster
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon