Plants that provide late season sustenance to pollinators, especially Monarchs, are valuable additions to wild areas and borders, as they are adaptable to all but dry, poor soils. Site in the mid-to-back border where other plants can hide their bare "shins." Pinch back a few times before July to encourage bushiness and control height (remember this will also delay flowering a bit). Cut back after flowering if self-sowing is unwanted or if the plant foliage is becoming unsightly. This aster is host to the caterpillars of the pearl crescent butterfly and provides pollen for specialist bees and bumblebees. The flower stalks are a suitable nesting site for native bees.