When does Short's Aster bloom?

Short's Aster typically blooms from August through October, producing small daisy-like flowers in shades of pale blue to lavender.

What kind of light does Short's Aster need?

It grows well in part sun and can tolerate conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, often thriving at woodland edges or in open understory areas.

How much water does Short's Aster need?

It prefers medium soil moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once it is established, particularly in upland or wooded sites.

What pollinators visit Short's Aster?

Bees, butterflies, and moths commonly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during its late summer and fall bloom period.

Is Short's Aster HOA-friendly?

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

Short's Aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphyotrichum shortii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Short's Aster is a woodland forb that blooms from August through October, with pale blue to lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and moths. It grows well in part sun with medium moisture, often along woodland edges.

Toxicity unknown

Short's Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii) 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

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

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

Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Short's aster produces masses of small, daisy-like purple flowers from late summer through fall. This perennial forms upright clumps with narrow leaves and creates an attractive display when planted in groups. The plant goes dormant in winter, returning reliably each spring.

Growing Short's Aster

Grow Short's Aster in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can look weedy when dormant in winter
May spread beyond intended areas
Height might be considered too tall for some front yard locations

Wildlife value

This aster is excellent for late-season pollinators when few other flowers are blooming, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths. It's particularly valuable for migrating monarch butterflies in fall.

Common questions

When does Short's Aster bloom?: Short's Aster typically blooms from August through October, producing small daisy-like flowers in shades of pale blue to lavender.
What kind of light does Short's Aster need?: It grows well in part sun and can tolerate conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, often thriving at woodland edges or in open understory areas.
How much water does Short's Aster need?: It prefers medium soil moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once it is established, particularly in upland or wooded sites.
What pollinators visit Short's Aster?: Bees, butterflies, and moths commonly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during its late summer and fall bloom period.
Is Short's Aster HOA-friendly?: Short's Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz