Modesty aster
Canadanthus modestus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Modesty aster (Canadanthus modestus) is a perennial forb native to ID, MI, MN, MT and 3 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Modesty aster (Canadanthus modestus) 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
medium
Size
18"–36" H × 18"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
ID, MI, MN, MT and 3 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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An upright perennial aster with broad leaves and showy purple-blue daisy flowers with yellow centers in late summer. Found in moist meadows and along the edges of open woods.
Growing Modesty aster
Grow Modesty aster in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Late-season blooms are an important nectar source for bees and migrating butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Modesty aster need?
- Modesty aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Modesty aster bloom?
- Modesty aster blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Modesty aster native?
- Modesty aster (Canadanthus modestus) is native to ID, MI, MN, MT and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Modesty aster attract?
- Modesty aster draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Modesty aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.