Common blue wood aster (Symphotrichum cordifolium) is a low maintenance branching perennial that grows 3 to 4 feet tall. It has purple to off white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that turn blue/purple over time. It is a host plant for the pearl crescent butterfly and supports numerous specialized bees. The fibrous root systems of common blue wood aster are effective erosion control on hillsides. It is deer resistant.