Western Aster

Symphyotrichum ascendens

Asteraceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun - Part Sun
• Size: 2' tall x 2' wide
• Drought Tolerant: yes
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: blue/purple with yellow centers (July- October)
• Wildlife value: late season forage for bees and butterflies. 
  

Western Aster is an excellent late-season pollinator plant, providing crucial nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects when few other plants are blooming. The vibrant purple-blue flowers with golden centers create masses of color from mid-summer through the first hard freeze, making it one of the last sources of food for pollinators before winter.

This native perennial grows from rhizomes with slender, branching stems that are somewhat hairy. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are largest near the base of the plant and become smaller up the stem. The plant's open, branched structure creates an airy appearance in the garden while still providing substantial color impact during its extended bloom period.

Western Aster is great in perennial beds, rock gardens, and as borders. It pairs beautifully with goldenrods, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses for a stunning late-season display. The plant is relatively low-maintenance once established and provides excellent wildlife habitat value. Native to western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico, this drought-tolerant species thrives in our Spokane region and is an ideal choice for water-wise landscaping.