How much sun does Mountain Aster need?

Mountain Aster grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Mountain Aster bloom?

Mountain Aster blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Mountain Aster native?

Mountain Aster (Oclemena acuminata) is native to CT, GA, KY, MA and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Mountain Aster attract?

Mountain Aster draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Mountain Aster HOA-friendly?

Mountain Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Mountain Aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oclemena acuminata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mountain Aster (Oclemena acuminata) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CT, GA, KY, MA and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Mountain aster is a native perennial that produces clusters of small white or pale purple daisy-like flowers from summer through early fall. This compact wildflower grows in an upright clump and tolerates partial shade conditions well, making it versatile for various garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

May appear too informal for strict front yard standards
Dies back completely in winter

Wildlife value

The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long flowering period from July through September. Seeds also provide food for birds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Aster need?: Mountain Aster grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Mountain Aster bloom?: Mountain Aster blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Mountain Aster native?: Mountain Aster (Oclemena acuminata) is native to CT, GA, KY, MA and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Mountain Aster attract?: Mountain Aster draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Mountain Aster HOA-friendly?: Mountain 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

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