Pacific aster

Symphyotrichum chilense

Formerly Aster chilensis. Short to tall native rhizomatous perennial with pink to lavender flowers, blooming June to October. Drought tolerant, occurring from dry coastal dunes and salt marshes up to mountain meadows, preferring open or disturbed sites and tolerant of clay soils; up to 8,000 ft. elevation. Use for late-season native pollinator habitat and prairie restoration. Important for bumble bee queens, pre-hibernation. Host plant for Checkerspot and Crescent butterflies.