Tundra aster
Aster alpigenus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, 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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA low, tufted perennial with narrow grass-like basal leaves and solitary, daisy-like flower heads with lavender-purple rays and a yellow center held on short stems. Grows in subalpine and alpine meadows at high elevation.
Wildlife value
The late-summer blooms provide nectar for bees and butterflies at high elevation when few other flowers remain.
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 (Aster alpigenus) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Tundra aster attract?
- Tundra aster draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Tundra aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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