Lavender aster
Symphyotrichum turbinellum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 18"–30" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct
Native to
AR, IA, IL, KS and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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An airy, upright prairie aster called prairie aster, with narrow leaves on wiry purplish stems and loose sprays of lavender-blue flowers in early fall. Grows on dry rocky prairie and glades.
Wildlife value
Host plant for pearl crescent.
An important fall nectar source for migrating monarchs and other butterflies, and a larval host for pearl crescent butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lavender aster need?
- Lavender aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lavender aster bloom?
- Lavender aster blooms in September and October.
- Where is Lavender aster native?
- Lavender aster (Symphyotrichum turbinellum) is native to AR, IA, IL, KS and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Lavender aster host?
- Lavender 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.
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