Douglas Aster

Douglas Aster

Symphyotrichum subspicatum

Douglas aster is a showy Pacific Northwest native perennial that comes alive with lavender-blue flowers in late summer and fall. Its abundant blooms arrive when many other flowers are fading, making it an especially valuable late-season food source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It spreads gradually to form colorful colonies in the garden.

Size at maturity: 2–4' tall, 2–3' wide
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium moisture; tolerates seasonal dryness once established
Bloom time: August–October
Wildlife: Excellent late-season resource for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Special features & uses: Long late-season bloom; native pollinator plant; naturalizes readily; excellent habitat plant

Plant with: Swamp milkweed, geum, and self-heal for a long-blooming pollinator garden, or common rush for a moisture-loving habitat planting.

Perfect for pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Plant in groups to create a late-season burst of color and habitat.