How much sun does Pacific aster need?

Pacific aster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pacific aster bloom?

Pacific aster blooms in July, August, September, and October.

Where is Pacific aster native?

Pacific aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pacific aster attract?

Pacific aster draws native bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

Pacific aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphyotrichum chilense

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pacific aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw native bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

Toxicity unknown

Pacific aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) 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

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies, syrphid flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A rhizomatous perennial aster with narrow leaves and open sprays of pale lavender, daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. Spreads gradually by rhizomes to form loose colonies in moist meadows and along stream edges.

Growing Pacific aster

Grow Pacific aster in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

A key late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies and a wide range of native bees when few other plants are still flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific aster need?: Pacific aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pacific aster bloom?: Pacific aster blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Pacific aster native?: Pacific aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Pacific aster attract?: Pacific aster draws native bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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