How much sun does Bottomland Aster need?

Bottomland Aster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bottomland Aster bloom?

Bottomland Aster blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Bottomland Aster native?

Bottomland Aster (Symphyotrichum ontarionis) is native to AL, IA, IL, IN and 18 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bottomland Aster attract?

Bottomland Aster draws bees and butterflies.

Is Bottomland Aster HOA-friendly?

Bottomland Aster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bottomland Aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphyotrichum ontarionis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bottomland Aster (Symphyotrichum ontarionis) 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

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, IA, IL, IN and 18 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Ontario aster is a compact native wildflower that produces clusters of small white to pale lavender flowers from late summer through fall. This well-behaved perennial forms neat clumps and provides reliable color when many other plants are fading for the season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bottomland Aster takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy to unfamiliar observers
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

The abundant small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during the crucial late-season nectar period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other small birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Bottomland Aster need?: Bottomland Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bottomland Aster bloom?: Bottomland Aster blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Bottomland Aster native?: Bottomland Aster (Symphyotrichum ontarionis) is native to AL, IA, IL, IN and 18 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bottomland Aster attract?: Bottomland Aster draws bees and butterflies.
Is Bottomland Aster HOA-friendly?: Bottomland Aster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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

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