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Narrow-Leaf Aster

Sericocarpus linifolius

Last reviewed: August 2026

Narrow-Leaf Aster (Sericocarpus linifolius)
Photo: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Narrow-Leaf Aster (Sericocarpus linifolius) 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

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Narrowleaf white-topped aster is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small white daisy-like flowers from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps with narrow leaves and maintains a tidy appearance in sunny locations. It requires minimal care once established and provides reliable late-season color.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrow-Leaf Aster 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.

  • Appears weedy to unfamiliar observers
  • Goes completely dormant in winter
  • Flowers are very small and may look unkempt

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles during the important late summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrow-Leaf Aster need?
Narrow-Leaf Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Narrow-Leaf Aster bloom?
Narrow-Leaf Aster blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Narrow-Leaf Aster native?
Narrow-Leaf Aster (Sericocarpus linifolius) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Narrow-Leaf Aster attract?
Narrow-Leaf Aster draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Narrow-Leaf Aster HOA-friendly?
Narrow-Leaf Aster 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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