Dieteria bigelovii, commonly known as Bigelow’s Tansyaster, is a deciduous perennial herb, often mistaken for an evergreen due to its persistent foliage in milder climates. It is native to arid deserts, open scrublands, and grasslands in the Southwestern USA, particularly thriving in areas with well-drained soils. This plant typically reaches a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a bushy clump of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are a striking purple, blooming profusely from late summer into fall, and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Bigelow’s Tansyaster is valued for its drought tolerance and long blooming period, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, wildflower gardens, and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for erosion control due to its ability to establish quickly and form dense stands. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal supplemental water once established. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. There are no widely recognized cultivars of this species, but its natural form is well-suited to informal garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0