Arrowleaf aster
Symphyotrichum urophyllum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Arrowleaf aster is a woodland forb that blooms from August through October with small white to pale lavender flowers, thriving in part shade and medium moisture.
Toxicity unknown
Arrowleaf aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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An upright perennial forb with arrow-shaped, toothed leaves and airy sprays of small lavender-blue daisy flowers with yellow centers in late summer into fall. Tolerates dappled shade and average garden soil better than most asters.
Growing Arrowleaf aster
Grow Arrowleaf aster in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arrowleaf aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Open, airy habit can look sparse in formal front-yard beds
Wildlife value
Host plant for pearl crescent butterfly.
Fall blooms provide nectar for bees and migrating butterflies, and the foliage hosts pearl crescent butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Arrowleaf aster bloom?
- Arrowleaf aster typically flowers from August into October, with small white to pale lavender blooms clustered along branching stems.
- What growing conditions does Arrowleaf aster prefer?
- It does best in part shade with medium soil moisture, making it well suited to woodland edges, dappled shade under deciduous trees, and shaded borders.
- What pollinators visit Arrowleaf aster?
- Bees and butterflies are regular visitors to the late season blooms, which provide nectar as many other flowers are finishing for the year.
- Is Arrowleaf aster a good choice for a shaded garden bed?
- Yes, its tolerance of part shade and shade along with medium moisture makes it a practical filler for shaded perennial beds and woodland gardens.
- Does Arrowleaf aster need staking or support?
- As a forb with a somewhat open, branching habit, it can lean in rich soil but generally does not require staking when grown in appropriate light and moisture conditions.
- Is Arrowleaf aster HOA-friendly?
- Arrowleaf aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Arrowleaf aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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