Southern annual saltmarsh aster
Symphyotrichum divaricatum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Southern annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum divaricatum) 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
6"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, KS, LA and 6 more states
Pollinators
small native bees, flies, 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 456 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
A slender annual aster with narrow leaves and many small daisy-like heads in white to pale lavender. Thrives on moist, open, sometimes brackish ground and reseeds freely.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern annual saltmarsh aster takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: meadow plantings.
- Annual reseeding habit looks informal
Wildlife value
The small flower heads supply late-season nectar for small bees, flies and butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Southern annual saltmarsh aster need?
- Southern annual saltmarsh aster grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Southern annual saltmarsh aster bloom?
- Southern annual saltmarsh aster blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Southern annual saltmarsh aster native?
- Southern annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum divaricatum) is native to AL, AR, KS, LA and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Southern annual saltmarsh aster attract?
- Southern annual saltmarsh aster draws small native bees, flies, and butterflies.
- Is Southern annual saltmarsh aster HOA-friendly?
- Southern annual saltmarsh aster takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Southern annual saltmarsh aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.