How much sun does Bigelow's tansyaster need?

Bigelow's tansyaster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bigelow's tansyaster bloom?

Bigelow's tansyaster blooms in July, August, September, and October.

Where is Bigelow's tansyaster native?

Bigelow's tansyaster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bigelow's tansyaster attract?

Bigelow's tansyaster draws bees and butterflies.

Bigelow's tansyaster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Machaeranthera bigelovii

Last reviewed: November 2026

Bigelow's tansyaster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) is a biennial forb native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states. It blooms in July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Bigelow's tansyaster, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Bigelow's tansyaster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) 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"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains

An upright biennial or short-lived perennial with resinous, toothed leaves and abundant purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers in late summer and fall.

Growing Bigelow's tansyaster

Grow Bigelow's tansyaster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

An important late-season nectar source for native bees and butterflies before frost.

Common questions

How much sun does Bigelow's tansyaster need?: Bigelow's tansyaster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bigelow's tansyaster bloom?: Bigelow's tansyaster blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Bigelow's tansyaster native?: Bigelow's tansyaster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bigelow's tansyaster attract?: Bigelow's tansyaster draws bees and butterflies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

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Ready to grow Bigelow's tansyaster? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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