Texas Aster
Symphyotrichum drummondii var. texanum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Texas aster is a fall-blooming forb that thrives in full sun and low-water, well-drained soils, flowering from September through November across prairies and open fields of the south-central United States.
Toxicity unknown
Texas Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii var. texanum) 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 × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AR, KS, LA, MO and 4 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Texas Aster is a compact native perennial that produces masses of small purple flowers from September through November. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows in a neat, bushy form and provides essential late-season color when many other plants are fading. It thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
Growing Texas Aster
Grow Texas Aster in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 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
Texas 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
This plant is a critical late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies and native bees when few other flowers are available. The seeds also provide food for birds through winter.
Common questions
- When does Texas aster bloom?
- Texas aster blooms in the fall, typically from September through November, offering color after most summer perennials have finished.
- What growing conditions does Texas aster need?
- It does best in full sun with low water once established, and it tolerates dry, well-drained soils similar to those in prairies and open grasslands.
- Which pollinators visit Texas aster?
- Its late-season blooms draw butterflies and bees, making it a useful nectar source as many other plants finish flowering for the year.
- Does Texas aster need regular watering?
- No, it is drought tolerant and prefers low water once its roots are established, though occasional watering during extended dry spells can help it flower well.
- Is Texas Aster HOA-friendly?
- Texas 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 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 Texas Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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