Bees in the climbing aster blossoms

The "Carolina Climbing Aster" Aster carolinianus that I planted in the Spring is now in full bloom.

Just as it was described when I purchased it as a seedling, it is a late bloomer.

At about seven feet tall, it started to produce more stems and leaves in September, and now it is full of buds and blossoms.

Now that most nectar producing plants are starting to go dormant, this plant offers a nice treat for bees and butterflies. Apparently the blossoms are so hardy that they can withstand mild frost, too!

This afternoon I observed flower flies and at least one honey bee on the blossoms.

Honey bee flying among the aster blossoms.

Lots of blossoms and buds on the vine.