What's in Bloom Scavenger Hunt: November 2026 (Last one of the Season)

Have you seen me in the Park?

Hi, I’m Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)!

I’m a Missouri native wildflower that brings beautiful color to the Park from late summer through fall. I’m a bushy, compact plant that typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with stiff, hairy stems and small, daisy-like flowers. My flowers feature violet-blue rays surrounding bright yellow centers, making me a standout in the landscape!

I’m a tough plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. I can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, and even poor soils, and I’m drought tolerant, too! In the wild, you can find me growing on limestone glades, slopes, prairies, and other dry, open areas. I’m also an important source of food for pollinators, providing nectar before the dormant season.

Can you spot me in Tower Grove Park?

Clues to Find Me:

  1. Look for a bushy, compact plant growing about 1 to 3 feet tall with stiff, hairy stems.

  2. Check out my small, daisy-like flowers! My violet-blue petals surround bright yellow centers, creating a beautiful splash of color.

  3. Keep your eyes open from late summer through late fall when I’m in bloom and providing an important food source for pollinators.

Challenge: Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag us @TowerGrovePark using #TGPinBloomHunt!

Have fun getting creative with your photos—just remember, don’t pick the flowers!

Jenelle Ellis