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Narrow-Leaf Aster

Sericocarpus linifolius

Last reviewed: September 2026

Narrow-Leaf Aster (Sericocarpus linifolius)
Photo: no rights reserved

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsInterior PlateauAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

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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.

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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