Dixie Aster
Sericocarpus tortifolius
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sericocarpus tortifolius (Dixie Aster) is a native southeastern wildflower that blooms August through October with small white daisy-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Dixie aster is a compact native wildflower that produces clusters of small white daisy-like blooms from late summer through fall. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and goes dormant in winter, returning each spring with fresh growth.
Growing Dixie Aster
Grow Dixie Aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dixie Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Goes completely dormant in winter
- Small flowers may appear weedy to some
Wildlife value
The late-season flowers provide important nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles when many other plants have finished blooming. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators preparing for winter.
Common questions
- When does Dixie Aster bloom?
- Sericocarpus tortifolius blooms from August through October, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract native pollinators during the late summer and fall months.
- What pollinators visit Dixie Aster?
- Dixie Aster attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its late-season nectar sources, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations when many other flowers have finished blooming.
- Where is Sericocarpus tortifolius native?
- Dixie Aster is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
- What growing conditions does Dixie Aster prefer?
- Sericocarpus tortifolius thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for dry, sunny locations and native plant gardens.
- Is Dixie Aster HOA-friendly?
- Dixie Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Dixie Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz