Fendler's aster
Symphyotrichum fendleri
Last reviewed: October 2026
Fendler's aster (Symphyotrichum fendleri) is a perennial forb native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 2 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Fendler's aster (Symphyotrichum fendleri) 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
6"–16" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
CO, KS, NE, NM and 2 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 458 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
A low, mounding prairie aster with small leaves and a profusion of pale lavender daisy flowers in fall. It keeps a tidy, compact shape well suited to the front of a border.
Growing Fendler's aster
Grow Fendler's aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for pearl crescent.
Fall aster bloom is a critical late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies, and the foliage hosts pearl crescent caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fendler's aster need?
- Fendler's aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Fendler's aster bloom?
- Fendler's aster blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Fendler's aster native?
- Fendler's aster (Symphyotrichum fendleri) is native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Fendler's aster host?
- Fendler's aster is a larval host plant for pearl crescent.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Fendler's aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.