Skip to main content

Hoary Tansyaster

Dieteria canescens

Last reviewed: June 2026

Dieteria canescens (Hoary Tansyaster) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming July through September across western and central US states. This sun-loving wildflower attracts bees and butterflies to gardens and natural landscapes.

Hoary Tansyaster (Dieteria canescens)
Photo: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Dieteria canescens is a compact native wildflower that produces small daisy-like blooms in shades of white to pale purple during late summer and early fall. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Growing Hoary Tansyaster

Grow Hoary Tansyaster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hoary Tansyaster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late-season bloom period when many other plants have finished flowering. This extended bloom time provides crucial nectar sources for pollinators preparing for winter.

Common questions

When does Hoary Tansyaster bloom?
Dieteria canescens blooms from July through September, producing white to pale purple flower heads that attract pollinators during late summer.
What pollinators visit Hoary Tansyaster?
Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Dieteria canescens, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in arid regions.
Where is Dieteria canescens native?
Hoary Tansyaster is native to 16 western and central US states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
What growing conditions does Hoary Tansyaster prefer?
Dieteria canescens thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes.
Is Hoary Tansyaster HOA-friendly?
Hoary Tansyaster 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 Hoary Tansyaster? 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