Aromatic aster has a bushy appearance with stiff stems and densely crowded leaves. Each flower is 1-1.5 inches wide with many purple ray florets (20-35) surrounding a bright yellow center. The leaves release a balsam-like aroma when crushed, giving it the aromatic name. It is one of the last asters to bloom before frost, making it a great late season food source insects. Aromatic aster is drought tolerant and grows well in dry, sandy prairies.