Hoary Tansyaster
Machaeranthera canescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hoary tansyaster is a low-growing annual wildflower with silvery-gray foliage and bright purple daisy-like flowers. It blooms from July through September and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal water needs. This compact plant works well as a seasonal color accent in xeriscaped areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hoary Tansyaster 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.
- Annual lifecycle means gaps in coverage
- Can appear weedy or wild to conservative neighbors
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
The cheerful purple blooms attract bees and butterflies during late summer months. As an annual wildflower, it provides important nectar sources when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycles.
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.
Does Hoary Tansyaster fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.