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Short's Aster

Symphyotrichum shortii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Short's Aster is a native wildflower found across the eastern and midwestern United States that blooms from August through October with small purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Short's Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)
Photo: Dr. Thomas G. Barnes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)

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 445 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

Western Corn Belt PlainsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior 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 blooms from August through October, providing late-season nectar when many other wildflowers have finished flowering.
Where is Short's Aster native?
Short's Aster is native to 21 states across the eastern and midwestern United States, from Minnesota and Michigan south to Florida and from Pennsylvania west to Iowa.
What pollinators visit Short's Aster?
Short's Aster attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its small purple flowers that provide important late-season nectar sources.
What growing conditions does Short's Aster prefer?
Short's Aster grows well in partial sun conditions with medium moisture levels, though it can adapt to various light and water conditions.
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.

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

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