* Pacific Aster – Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense (sim-fee-oh-TREE-cum chee-LENS)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Coastal N. America from Santa Barbara Co. to British Columbia; Grasslands, salt marshes,

coastal dunes/bluffs, coastal grasslands/scrub, open disturbed habitats in evergreen and Pacific coast coniferous forest.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: spreading Herbaceous perennial with thin, delicate-looking (almost insignificant) foliage. Cultivars are more robust

(see below). Drought deciduous – dies back completely in dry summer months. Spreads vigorously via rhizomes.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (may be as long as July-Sept. with summer water). Flowers are very

attractive small ‘daisy-type’ heads. Ray flowers most often light purple, but may range from white to pink, deeper purple; disk flowers are yellow. Very showy plant in bloom.

Uses in the garden: Usually used in mixed beds with other native grasses, shrubs and wildflowers.

Excellent choice for slopes, Cottage Garden or native prairie/grassland. A must for habitat gardens; would do well in large pots/planters. Several excellent cultivars available: 'Point St. George' – low-growing with

more robust foliage; ‘Purple Haze’ – darker purple flowers & more robust foliage.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Asters.

Attracts: Excellent all-round habitat plant. Native bees, butterflies and other insects love the nectar. Seed-eating birds like towhees & sparrows eat the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to moderate shade.

Soil Just about any texture – sand to clay; any local pH.

Water Very adaptable. Can take regular water (Zone 3) but will spread aggressively. Best

in Zone 2-3 or 2 (occasional water); withhold water in late summer/fall.

Fertilizer None.

Other

Management: Plant where it can be contained – will spread. Cut back late fall if it doesn’t die back.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in summer/fall by cuttings/divisions: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1- 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 24 2/13/11

* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

Symphyotrichum chilense Pacific aster