English: Stokes' Aster.
Family: Asteraceae.
Region: southeastern United States, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina.
Habitat: prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides.
Hardiness: hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Uses: ornamental, for its attractive, large, and long-lasting flowers.

BotanyHerb; perennial ; 30-60 cm tall.
Root: fibrous root system.
Leaves: basal rosette; lanceolate to oblanceolate, with smaller, alternate leaves on the flowering stems; green; slightly leathery texture.
Inflorescence: solitary or clustered flower heads; on erect stems.
Flowers: large, showy; daisy-like; diameter of 5-10 cm; blue, purple, lavender, white, or pink; central disk is often the same color as the petals; blooms from late spring to early summer.
Pollination: by bees, butterflies, other insects.