Western Aster
(Symphyotrichum ascendens)
Western Aster (Symphyotrichum ascendens)
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Andrey Zharkikh
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Andrey Zharkikh
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Andrey Zharkikh | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ | Uploader: AndreyZharkikh | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symphyotrichum ascendens, commonly known as Western Aster, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, and open forest clearings across western North America. It typically grows to heights between 20 and 60 centimeters (8 and 24 inches) with a branching, erect stem that supports an inflorescence of many flower heads. These heads consist of narrow violet to nearly white ray florets encircling a center packed with golden disc florets, blooming from July to September and offering a showy display.
Western Aster is valued for its late summer to early fall flowering period, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming. It is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Western Aster is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming period and prevent self-seeding if not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Aster is valued for its late summer to early fall flowering period, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming. It is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Western Aster is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming period and prevent self-seeding if not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to meadows, grasslands, and open forest clearings across western North America
Other Names
Common Names: Intermountain Aster, Longleaf Aster, Long-Leaved Aster, Western American Aster, Aster Ascendant, Rocky Mountain Aster
Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum ascendens, Aster ascendens, Aster falcatus, Virgulaster ascendens, Aster adscendens, Aster chilensis subsp. adscendens, Aster lonchophyllus, Aster subgriseus, Aster denudatus
GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum ascendens (Lindl.) G.L.Nesom