Michaelmas Daisy
Aster pilosus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Michaelmas daisy is a native wildflower that produces clouds of small white flowers with yellow centers from late summer through fall. This adaptable perennial can reach 5 feet tall and spreads to form colonies, making it excellent for naturalizing larger areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Michaelmas Daisy 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.
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- Spreads aggressively and may look wild
- Height and informal growth habit not typical for front yard landscaping
Wildlife value
Host plant for silvery checkerspot, pearl crescent.
The abundant late-season blooms provide crucial nectar for migrating monarchs and other butterflies when few other flowers remain. Native bees and moths also rely heavily on this fall-blooming native.
Common questions
- How much sun does Michaelmas Daisy need?
- Michaelmas Daisy grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Michaelmas Daisy bloom?
- Michaelmas Daisy blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Michaelmas Daisy native?
- Michaelmas Daisy (Aster pilosus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Michaelmas Daisy host?
- Michaelmas Daisy is a larval host plant for silvery checkerspot and pearl crescent.
- Is Michaelmas Daisy HOA-friendly?
- Michaelmas Daisy 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Michaelmas Daisy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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