Skip to main content

Late Purple Aster

Symphyotrichum patens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Late Purple Aster as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Late Purple Aster produces masses of small purple flowers with bright yellow centers from summer through late fall. This sturdy perennial grows in an upright clump and provides excellent late-season color when many other plants are finishing their blooming cycle. The plant goes dormant in winter but returns reliably each spring.

Growing Late Purple Aster

Grow Late Purple Aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Late Purple Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

  • May flop without support
  • Best in less formal zones

Wildlife value

This native aster is a crucial late-season nectar source for butterflies, including monarchs preparing for migration. It also attracts native bees and other beneficial insects during its extended bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Late Purple Aster need?
Late Purple Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Late Purple Aster bloom?
Late Purple Aster blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Late Purple Aster native?
Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Late Purple Aster toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Late Purple Aster as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Late Purple Aster attract?
Late Purple Aster draws butterflies and bees.
Is Late Purple Aster HOA-friendly?
Late Purple Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Late Purple Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz