Pacific Aster

(Symphyotrichum chilense)

Pacific Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Symphyotrichum chilense, commonly known as Pacific Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, meadows, coastal prairies, and riparian zones in the West Coast of North America to the Channel Islands. It typically grows between 40 and 120 centimeters (1-4 ft) in height and features a clumping form with sparsely hairy, narrowly oval-shaped leaves that are pointed and may be finely serrated along the edges. The Pacific Aster is notable for its inflorescences, which consist of flower heads with yellow disk florets surrounded by many narrow violet ray florets, creating a striking display when in bloom from June to October.

The Pacific Aster is valued for its long blooming period and the vibrant color it adds to gardens. It is used in native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, and as part of naturalistic landscaping. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring full sun to part shade, low to medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers those that are not too rich, as overly fertile soils can lead to leggy growth. Pacific Aster can spread through rhizomes, making it useful for erosion control but also potentially aggressive in garden settings. It is important to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-4 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

a variety of habitats including open woodlands, meadows, coastal prairies, and riparian zones in the West Coast of North America to the Channel Islands

Other Names

Common Names: Common California Aster, Aster De Californie

Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum chilense, Aster chilensis, Symphyotrichum chilense var. invenustum, Aster radula, Aster sonomensis, Aster chilensis var. invenustus, Aster chilensis var. medius, Aster chilensis var. chilensis, Aster chamissonis

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum chilense (Nees) G.L.Nesom