Bigleaf Aster
Eurybia macrophylla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bigleaf Aster is a native perennial wildflower found throughout eastern North America that blooms with purple flowers from August through October. This shade-tolerant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths to woodland gardens.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bigleaf Aster as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Bigleaf aster is a native perennial that produces clusters of small white or pale purple flowers from late summer through fall. This shade-tolerant wildflower grows 2-4 feet tall and spreads slowly to form colonies, making it useful for naturalizing in partial shade areas.
Growing Bigleaf Aster
Grow Bigleaf Aster in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigleaf 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.
- Spreads by rhizomes and can appear weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare soil
- Informal wildflower appearance may be seen as unkempt
Wildlife value
The late-season blooms provide crucial nectar for bees, butterflies, and moths when few other flowers are available. Seeds also feed songbirds in winter.
Common questions
- When does Bigleaf Aster bloom?
- Bigleaf Aster blooms from August through October, providing late-season color when many other wildflowers have finished.
- What pollinators visit Bigleaf Aster?
- Bigleaf Aster attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its late-season nectar source.
- Where is Bigleaf Aster native?
- Bigleaf Aster is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Iowa.
- What growing conditions does Bigleaf Aster prefer?
- Bigleaf Aster thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture conditions, making it excellent for woodland gardens.
- Is Bigleaf Aster toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bigleaf Aster as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bigleaf Aster HOA-friendly?
- Bigleaf 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 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 Bigleaf 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