How much sun does Hoary Tansyaster need?

Hoary Tansyaster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hoary Tansyaster bloom?

Hoary Tansyaster blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Hoary Tansyaster native?

Hoary Tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescens) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Hoary Tansyaster attract?

Hoary Tansyaster draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hoary Tansyaster HOA-friendly?

Hoary Tansyaster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hoary Tansyaster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Machaeranthera canescens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 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 432 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

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Hoary Tansyaster need?: Hoary Tansyaster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hoary Tansyaster bloom?: Hoary Tansyaster blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Hoary Tansyaster native?: Hoary Tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescens) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Hoary Tansyaster attract?: Hoary Tansyaster draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hoary Tansyaster HOA-friendly?: Hoary Tansyaster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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