what is this plant??

[jenniferma]

Hi-- we just moved into a new home in Virginia and I have this plant/shrub in my flower bed and I have no idea what it is. It is incredibly dry and brittle and looks half-dead. I am wondering what it might be, if it supposed to look like this in the Fall and if I am supposed to cut it back?

It has a bunch of green growth that is at the bottom of the stem that looks to be the same plant. The top has what looks to be aster or felicia-type lavender flowers.

Here are some pics. Thanks for your help!

 

[Abbie]

Looks like crown vetch to me but I don't have a clue what you should be doing with it. I think it's like a ground cover but it always looks like weeds to me! A quick google should be able to help you out (if that's what it is anyway!)

 

[shrubber]

mountauk daisy

 

[AlleyKat]

Hi-- we just moved into a new home in Virginia and I have this plant/shrub in my flower bed and I have no idea what it is. It is incredibly dry and brittle and looks half-dead. I am wondering what it might be, if it supposed to look like this in the Fall and if I am supposed to cut it back?

It has a bunch of green growth that is at the bottom of the stem that looks to be the same plant. The top has what looks to be aster or felicia-type lavender flowers.

It's an aster.

They are somewhat "delicate" in that they are susceptible to "rot" via fungus and mildew, especially during a rainy period.

It appears they are in the sun, which they love but they need to be thinned out(especially in the center).
Plants that are as big as yours tend not to get enough "air circulation" therefore contributing to their problem.

You can cut them back with no ill effects.

I've got aster that grows in excess of 7' as well as different colored "shorter" versions that are 3+ feet.

I'd post a photo but have no idea how to do so on the Dis.