How much sun does Tundra aster need?

Tundra aster grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tundra aster bloom?

Tundra aster blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Tundra aster native?

Tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tundra aster attract?

Tundra aster draws bees and butterflies.

Tundra aster

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oreostemma alpigenum

Last reviewed: November 2026

Tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Tundra aster, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum) 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

3"–8" H × 6"–10" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Northwestern Great Plains North American Deserts

A very low, cushion-forming perennial with narrow grass-like leaves and single lavender-purple daisy flowers held just above the foliage. It grows in tight, tidy clumps in wet high-mountain meadows.

Growing Tundra aster

Grow Tundra aster in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 8 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its late-summer flowers are a nectar source for native bees and butterflies at high elevation, where bloom windows are short.

Common questions

How much sun does Tundra aster need?: Tundra aster grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tundra aster bloom?: Tundra aster blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Tundra aster native?: Tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tundra aster attract?: Tundra aster draws bees and butterflies.

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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