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Marsh Alkali Aster

Almutaster pauciflorus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Marsh Alkali Aster (Almutaster pauciflorus)
Photo: (c) Austin Saunders, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Austin Saunders

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 area

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.

See all plant problem guides

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

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