Michaelmas Daisy
Symphyotrichum pilosum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Symphyotrichum pilosum is a native fall-blooming wildflower found across eastern and central North America. This hardy perennial produces clusters of small white flowers from August through October, attracting bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Michaelmas Daisy as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Michaelmas daisy produces clouds of small white flowers with yellow centers from late summer through fall. This hardy perennial forms upright clumps that can spread gradually and provides excellent late-season color when many other plants are finished blooming.
Growing Michaelmas Daisy
Grow Michaelmas Daisy in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Michaelmas Daisy 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: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy and unkempt during growing season
- Tends to flop or become leggy without maintenance
- May spread aggressively and look wild
Wildlife value
The abundant small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the critical late summer and fall period when nectar sources become scarce. This plant is especially valuable for migrating monarchs and other butterflies preparing for winter.
Common questions
- When does Symphyotrichum pilosum bloom?
- Symphyotrichum pilosum blooms from August through October, making it an important late-season nectar source for pollinators preparing for winter.
- What pollinators visit Symphyotrichum pilosum?
- This native aster attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. Its late fall blooming period makes it particularly valuable for migrating butterflies and other pollinators seeking nectar sources.
- Where is Symphyotrichum pilosum native?
- Symphyotrichum pilosum is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas and Oklahoma. It naturally occurs in 35 states across this range.
- What growing conditions does Symphyotrichum pilosum prefer?
- This adaptable native thrives in full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions from dry to wet soils, making it suitable for diverse garden situations.
- Is Michaelmas Daisy toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Michaelmas Daisy as toxic to livestock.
- Is Michaelmas Daisy HOA-friendly?
- Michaelmas Daisy 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Michaelmas Daisy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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