As part of an evaluation of plants native primarily to the north central United States, we obtained seeds of Boltonia decurrens (false aster), along with other seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery. It specializes in seeds and plants of species native to the north central United States including bog, wetland and pond species.

We tried seeds from another well known source but were disappointed with both the selection and viability. A particularly troublesome practice of said source, along with being stingy with the number of seeds in their high priced packets, was sending pre-moistened seeds that sprouted in transit and died when potted. Prairie Moon on the other hand is extremely generous with the number of seeds in packets that cost just $2.00 each and germination rate is excellent. Based on customer reviews, I guess I’m not their only fan.

Having said that, it should be noted that their great variety of seeds includes those of species that can be highly invasive or toxic. One case is water hemlock, so buyers must research before ordering seeds. To prevent spreading a highly invasive species I suggest that buyers go with varieties listed as threatened by state or federal agencies.

Boltonia decurrens (false aster) is listed as threatened by the federal government and by the states of Illinois and Missouri in which it is native. I planted the seeds in damp seed starting mix in the fall, stretch-wrapped the seed flat and left it outside over winter. Soon after being unwrapped in the spring practically 100% of the seeds germinated.  

Like most wetland plants, false aster transplants well if the soil is kept wet. As evidenced by the lost seed cells, pot size doesn't matter a lot as long as the roots are kept damp. I have had false asters in 6" (15cm) pots reach a height of 6' (182cm) but, to avoid having the plants fall over, I recommend far larger containers.

The plants on each side of the door shown below are growing in 10" x 10" (25 cm x 25 cm) containers without drain holes. The photograph at the left was taken in mid June. By mid July the plants were nearly 6' (182 cm) tall and the first of the flowers that would cover the upper branches for weeks were opening. The second photo shows them in early August when they were over 6' (183cm) tall and covered with flowers, as they will be into September. 

< Mid June, about 5'
(150cm) tall.

Early August, over 6'
(183cm) tall and
covered with flowers >

Although happy in their drain hole free pots they suck up about a gallon (4 liters) of water each a day. For what it's worth they were dug out of a pathway immediately adjacent to a where a false aster was growing in a marginal pool the year before. So far no volunteer false asters have turned up any distance from where they have been growing. The ones that do turn up do not take over an area because they don't spread from rhizomes.   

A word to the wise -- never turn a species that spreads by rhizomes loose in open ground or along the edge of a natural pond. I made the mistake of planting a Solidago graminifolia (grass leaf goldenrod) in a bog garden a couple of years ago. It’s an attractive plant with a bamboo-like appearance but spreads like wildfire in both wet and dry soil. We have been trying to contain it ever since.