Marsh Alkali Aster
Almutaster pauciflorus
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Marsh Alkali Aster (Almutaster pauciflorus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, MT and 7 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Almutaster pauciflorus is a compact native wildflower that produces small white or pale purple daisy-like blooms from July through September. This drought-tolerant perennial stays relatively low and neat, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh Alkali Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- May appear sparse or weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants
- Unknown dormant season appearance could be concerning
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. This native aster provides important nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Marsh Alkali Aster need?
- Marsh Alkali Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Marsh Alkali Aster bloom?
- Marsh Alkali Aster blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Marsh Alkali Aster native?
- Marsh Alkali Aster (Almutaster pauciflorus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, MT and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Marsh Alkali Aster attract?
- Marsh Alkali Aster draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Marsh Alkali Aster HOA-friendly?
- Marsh Alkali 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Marsh Alkali Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz