Arrowleaf aster
Symphyotrichum urophyllum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Arrowleaf aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 26 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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
- How much sun does Arrowleaf aster need?
- Arrowleaf aster grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Arrowleaf aster bloom?
- Arrowleaf aster blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Arrowleaf aster native?
- Arrowleaf aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Arrowleaf aster host?
- Arrowleaf aster is a larval host plant for pearl crescent butterfly.
- Is Arrowleaf aster HOA-friendly?
- Arrowleaf aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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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