Aster flowers, often called Michaelmas daisies, are vibrant perennials in the Asteraceae family, prized for their star-shaped blooms that light up U.S. gardens from late summer to fall. Native to North America and Eurasia, they offer colors like purple, blue, pink, and white, attracting pollinators. Their daisy-like flowers make them a staple in borders, meadows, and cut arrangements.
Originating in temperate regions, asters have been cultivated for centuries, valued for ornamental beauty and ecological benefits. Introduced widely in North America, they thrive in diverse U.S. climates, from New England’s cool falls to California’s mild coasts. Their late-season blooms extend garden color when many plants fade.
Asters feature single or double blooms with petal-like rays surrounding a central disc, often yellow or red. Plants range from 6 inches to 8 feet tall, with lance-shaped or heart-shaped leaves on branched stems. Grown from seeds, divisions, or cuttings, they form clumps or spread gently in gardens.
Asters thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, loamy soil (pH 5.5-7.0) and moderate moisture. In the USA, they’re planted in spring or fall, blooming August to October, and are available at nurseries in states like Oregon and Pennsylvania. They’re low-maintenance, with pinching promoting bushier growth.
Ecologically, asters support bees, butterflies, and birds, making them vital for pollinator gardens. Their cheerful blooms offer emotional uplift, enhancing well-being in fall landscapes. Deer-resistant and adaptable, they’re a sustainable choice for vibrant, health-conscious U.S. gardens.
Aster Flowers
New England Aster (Purple)
A robust North American native (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) with vibrant purple blooms, ideal for pollinator gardens. Its bushy habit and abundant flowers make it a fall favorite in sunny borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Purple, daisy-like blooms, 1-2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Hairy, thick stems; lance-shaped, hairy leaves.
- Plant height of 3-6 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, prefers full sun.
New England Aster (Pink)
A cultivar of Symphyotrichum novae-angliae with delicate pink flowers, offering a softer hue for fall gardens. Its tall, bushy form is perfect for back borders or cutting gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pink, single blooms, 1-2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Dense, hairy stems; strappy, hairy foliage.
- Plant height of 3-5 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 3-8, needs well-drained soil.
New York Aster (Blue)
A Symphyotrichum novi-belgii cultivar with profuse blue-violet blooms, popular for its compact habit and long bloom time. Suits wetter soils and mixed borders in U.S. gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue-violet, daisy-like blooms, 1-1.5 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Smooth, thin stems; smooth, lance-shaped leaves.
- Plant height of 1-4 feet, spreading 1-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to November; Zones 4-8, tolerates moist soil.
New York Aster (White)
A Symphyotrichum novi-belgii cultivar with petite, white, daisy-like flowers, ideal for illuminating shady borders or front-of-border displays. Its compact size suits small gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Smooth stems; slender, smooth leaves.
- Plant height of 1-2 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms September-November; Zones 4-8, tolerates light shade.
Alpine Aster
Aster alpinus, a low-growing European native, produces vibrant purple or blue flowers, perfect for rock gardens or edging in cooler U.S. climates. Blooms early for an aster.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Purple or blue, single blooms, 1-2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Compact, hairy leaves; short, unbranched stems.
- Plant height of 6-12 inches, spreading 6-12 inches.
- Blooms May-June; Zones 4-7, prefers dry, calcareous soil.
Smooth Aster
Symphyotrichum laeve, a North American native, features blue-violet flowers and excellent disease resistance. Its adaptable nature suits sunny, dry sites in pollinator gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue-violet, single blooms, 1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Smooth, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves; reddish stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, drought-tolerant.
Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, a U.S. native, offers purple-blue flowers with a fragrant, herby scent when crushed. Its compact form is ideal for dry soils and containers.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Purple-blue, single blooms, 0.75-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Narrow, aromatic leaves; branched stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to November; Zones 3-8, tolerates dry soil.
White Wood Aster
Eurybia divaricata, a shade-tolerant U.S. native, produces clouds of tiny white flowers on dark stems, perfect for woodland gardens or shady borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow-to-red centers.
- Heart-shaped, toothed leaves; dark, wiry stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, prefers partial shade.
Calico Aster
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, a U.S. native, features small, white to pale purple flowers with yellow-to-purple centers, creating a “calico” effect. Ideal for meadows or pollinator gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White to pale purple, single blooms, 0.5 inch across, with shifting center colors.
- Lance-shaped, hairy leaves; slender, branching stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, tolerates shade.
Bushy Aster
Symphyotrichum dumosum, a compact U.S. native, produces violet-blue to pink flowers on well-branched stems, perfect for borders or dry, chalky soils in pollinator gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-blue or pink, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Small, lance-shaped leaves; bushy, branched stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, drought-tolerant.
Flat-Topped White Aster
Doellingeria umbellata, a tall U.S. native, features flat-topped clusters of white flowers, ideal for moist meadows or rain gardens. It supports butterflies like Harris’ Checkerspot.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Medium to dark green, lance-shaped leaves; sturdy stems.
- Plant height of 3-7 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, prefers moist soil.
Eastern Silvery Aster
Symphyotrichum concolor, a U.S. native, has wand-like stems with violet-blue flowers, suited for dry, sunny sites. Its silvery foliage adds unique texture to borders.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-blue, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Downy, silvery, oval leaves; slender, upright stems.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 4-8, prefers dry soil.
Heart-Leaved Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium, a shade-tolerant U.S. native, produces small, pale blue to white flowers, ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pale blue to white, single blooms, 0.5 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Heart-shaped, toothed basal leaves; thin, smooth stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, tolerates shade.
Sky Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense, a U.S. native, offers airy blue-violet flowers on open stems, thriving in hot, dry conditions. Perfect for sunny, low-maintenance gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue-violet, single blooms, 1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Smooth, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves; moderately branched stems.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, drought-tolerant.
European Michaelmas Daisy
Aster amellus, a compact European native, features violet-purple flowers, ideal for sunny borders or rock gardens. Its mildew resistance suits warmer U.S. climates.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-purple, single blooms, 1-2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Oval, hairy leaves; clump-forming, woody base.
- Plant height of 1-2.5 feet, spreading 1-1.5 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 5-8, prefers well-drained soil.
China Aster
Callistephus chinensis, an annual aster from Asia, produces vibrant pink, purple, white, or blue blooms, perfect for summer bedding or cutting gardens in the U.S.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pink, purple, white, or blue, single or double blooms, 1-3 inches across.
- Oval, toothed leaves; branched, upright stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; Zones 2-11 as annual, prefers full sun.
New England Aster (Red)
A vibrant Symphyotrichum novae-angliae cultivar with rich red blooms, adding bold color to fall gardens. Its tall, bushy habit suits back borders or pollinator-friendly landscapes in the U.S.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Red, daisy-like blooms, 1-2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Hairy, thick stems; lance-shaped, hairy leaves.
- Plant height of 3-6 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 3-8, prefers full sun.
New York Aster (Purple)
A Symphyotrichum novi-belgii cultivar with deep purple, star-shaped flowers, ideal for compact borders or wetter soils. Its profuse blooms enhance late-season U.S. gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep purple, single blooms, 1-1.5 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Smooth, slender stems; lance-shaped, smooth leaves.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to November; Zones 4-8, tolerates moist soil.
Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides, a U.S. native, produces clouds of tiny white flowers, creating a snowy effect in fall. Its low, spreading habit is perfect for ground cover or rock gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single blooms, 0.5 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Needle-like, heath-like leaves; wiry, branched stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 3-8, drought-tolerant.
Arrowleaf Aster
Symphyotrichum urophyllum, a North American native, features pale lavender to white flowers, ideal for shady woodland gardens. Its upright habit adds structure to naturalized U.S. areas.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pale lavender to white, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Arrow-shaped, toothed leaves; sturdy, upright stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, tolerates shade.
Bigleaf Aster
Eurybia macrophylla, a U.S. native, produces violet-blue flowers with large, heart-shaped leaves, suited for shady borders or woodland settings. Its spreading habit naturalizes well.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-blue, single blooms, 1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Large, heart-shaped, basal leaves; coarse, hairy stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, prefers shade.
Tatarian Aster
Aster tataricus, an Asian native, features tall, lilac-blue flower clusters, ideal as a dramatic backdrop in large U.S. borders or wildflower gardens. Its height makes it a standout.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Lilac-blue, single blooms, 1-1.5 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Large, lance-shaped leaves; thick, upright stems.
- Plant height of 4-8 feet, spreading 2-3 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 3-9, prefers full sun.
Short’s Aster
Symphyotrichum shortii, a U.S. native, offers blue-violet flowers, thriving in dry, shady woodlands. Its compact form and late blooms suit naturalized or pollinator-friendly gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue-violet, single blooms, 1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Heart-shaped, toothed leaves; slender, upright stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, shade-tolerant.
Prairie Aster
Symphyotrichum turbinellum, a U.S. native, produces violet-blue flowers on airy stems, ideal for sunny prairies or dry borders. Its delicate structure attracts butterflies.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-blue, single blooms, 0.75-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Narrow, lance-shaped leaves; slender, branching stems.
- Plant height of 2-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms September-October; Zones 4-8, drought-tolerant.
China Aster (Double Blue)
A Callistephus chinensis cultivar with lush, double blue blooms, adding vibrant color to summer bedding or cutting gardens. Its full flowers are a favorite for U.S. annual displays.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Double blue blooms, 2-3 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Oval, toothed leaves; branched, upright stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; Zones 2-11 as annual, prefers sun.
China Aster (White)
A Callistephus chinensis cultivar with pure white, single or double blooms, perfect for brightening summer beds or bouquets. Its versatility suits various U.S. garden styles.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single or double blooms, 1-3 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Oval, serrated leaves; sturdy, branched stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; Zones 2-11 as annual, full sun.
Frikart’s Aster
Aster × frikartii, a hybrid with lavender-blue flowers, known for its long bloom time and mildew resistance. Its airy form is ideal for U.S. mixed borders or containers.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Lavender-blue, single blooms, 2 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Oval, hairy leaves; bushy, branching stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms mid-summer to fall; Zones 5-8, prefers well-drained soil.
Stokes’ Aster
Stokesia laevis, a U.S. native, produces large, cornflower-blue blooms, often with white or pink variations, suited for sunny borders or rock gardens. Its evergreen foliage adds year-round appeal.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue, white, or pink, single blooms, 2-4 inches across, with fringed centers.
- Strap-like, evergreen leaves; clumping, short stems.
- Plant height of 1-2 feet, spreading 1-1.5 feet.
- Blooms late spring to fall; Zones 5-9, prefers sun.
Drumstick Aster
Aster tradescantii, a U.S. native, features small, white flowers with yellow centers, ideal for moist, shady woodlands or streamside gardens. Its delicate form naturalizes well.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White, single blooms, 0.5 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Narrow, lance-shaped leaves; wiry, branching stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, shade-tolerant.
Showy Aster
Eurybia spectabilis, a U.S. native, offers violet-purple flowers on low, spreading plants, perfect for sandy or coastal U.S. gardens. Its late blooms support pollinators.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Violet-purple, single blooms, 1-1.5 inches across, with yellow centers.
- Thick, oval leaves; short, sturdy stems.
- Plant height of 1-2 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-8, prefers dry soil.
Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium (syn. Aster lowrieanus), a U.S. native, produces pale blue to lavender flowers, ideal for shady borders or woodland gardens. Its airy blooms add softness.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pale blue to lavender, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Heart-shaped, toothed leaves; slender, branching stems.
- Plant height of 2-4 feet, spreading 1-3 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 3-8, shade-tolerant.
Salt Marsh Aster
Symphyotrichum tenuifolium, a U.S. native, features small, pale purple or white flowers, thriving in coastal or brackish soils. Its delicate form suits wildflower or wetland gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Pale purple or white, single blooms, 0.5-1 inch across, with yellow centers.
- Narrow, fleshy leaves; wiry, spreading stems.
- Plant height of 1-3 feet, spreading 1-2 feet.
- Blooms late summer to fall; Zones 4-9, tolerates salt and moisture.
General Notes:
- Bloom Season: Asters bloom from late summer to fall (August-October), with some (e.g., Alpine aster) blooming earlier (May-June). They thrive in USDA Zones 3-8, with some annuals like China aster grown in Zones 2-11.
- Growth Requirements: Prefer full sun (6-8 hours) to partial shade, with moist, well-drained, loamy soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Avoid wet clay or dry sandy soils to prevent root rot or wilting. Pinch back in early summer for bushier growth.
- Uses: Ideal for borders, rock gardens, containers, meadows, or cut flowers. Deer-resistant and highly attractive to pollinators like bees and monarch butterflies, supporting late-season ecosystems.