Tundra aster
Oreostemma alpigenum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
3"–8" H × 6"–10" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA very low, cushion-forming perennial with narrow grass-like leaves and single lavender-purple daisy flowers held just above the foliage. It grows in tight, tidy clumps in wet high-mountain meadows.
Wildlife value
Its late-summer flowers are a nectar source for native bees and butterflies at high elevation, where bloom windows are short.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tundra aster need?
- Tundra aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tundra aster bloom?
- Tundra aster blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Tundra aster native?
- Tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Tundra aster attract?
- Tundra aster draws bees and butterflies.
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.
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