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Small White Aster

Symphyotrichum racemosum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Small White Aster (Symphyotrichum racemosum)
Photo: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Small White Aster (Symphyotrichum racemosum) 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"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

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

Western Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Small White Aster produces masses of tiny white daisy-like flowers from summer through late fall, creating a cloud-like display above narrow green foliage. This drought-tolerant native perennial forms neat clumps and provides reliable color during the hottest months when many other plants struggle.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Small White Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The abundant small flowers attract numerous butterfly species and native bees throughout its extended blooming period. Late-season blooms provide crucial nectar when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Small White Aster need?
Small White Aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Small White Aster bloom?
Small White Aster blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Small White Aster native?
Small White Aster (Symphyotrichum racemosum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Small White Aster attract?
Small White Aster draws butterflies and bees.
Is Small White Aster HOA-friendly?
Small White Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

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