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Cascade Aster

Eucephalus ledophyllus

Last reviewed: November 2026

Cascade Aster (Eucephalus ledophyllus) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and flies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

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Cascade Aster (Eucephalus ledophyllus)
Photo: (c) David Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Anderson

Toxicity unknown

Cascade Aster (Eucephalus ledophyllus) 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"–32" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, flies

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 464 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains

A compact perennial aster with a woody base, forming a low clump of leathery leaves topped by purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers in late summer. Grows in dry mountain meadows and open woods up to timberline.

Growing Cascade Aster

Grow Cascade Aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 32 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Cascade Aster is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone.

  • A high-elevation mountain species; may struggle in warm, low-elevation yards without cool nights and sharp drainage

Wildlife value

Blooms late in the season when fewer other flowers are available, offering nectar and pollen to bees, butterflies, and other late-summer pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Cascade Aster need?
Cascade Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cascade Aster bloom?
Cascade Aster blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Cascade Aster native?
Cascade Aster (Eucephalus ledophyllus) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Cascade Aster attract?
Cascade Aster draws bees, butterflies, and flies.
Is Cascade Aster HOA-friendly?
Cascade 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 Cascade Aster? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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