How much sun does Barrens Silky Aster need?

Barrens Silky Aster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Barrens Silky Aster bloom?

Barrens Silky Aster blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Barrens Silky Aster native?

Barrens Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum pratense) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Barrens Silky Aster attract?

Barrens Silky Aster draws butterflies and bees.

Is Barrens Silky Aster HOA-friendly?

Barrens Silky Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Barrens Silky Aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphyotrichum pratense

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Barrens Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum pratense) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–12" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Barrens Silky Aster.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Southeastern Plains

Barrens Silky Aster is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small purple flowers from September through November. This drought-tolerant wildflower maintains its foliage year-round and stays neat at 12-24 inches tall, making it suitable for organized landscape designs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Barrens Silky Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The late-season blooms provide crucial nectar for butterflies and bees when few other flowers are available. This aster is particularly valuable for fall migrating monarchs and native bee species.

Common questions

How much sun does Barrens Silky Aster need?: Barrens Silky Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Barrens Silky Aster bloom?: Barrens Silky Aster blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Barrens Silky Aster native?: Barrens Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum pratense) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Barrens Silky Aster attract?: Barrens Silky Aster draws butterflies and bees.
Is Barrens Silky Aster HOA-friendly?: Barrens Silky Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Barrens Silky Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app