Symphyotrichum chilense
is a robust and spectacular California Native perennial. The Pacific
Aster sends up arching stems to 5 feet or more tall and steadily spreads,
often a foot or more in every direction if water is available and only a
little less if it is not. Symphyotrichum chilense grows well in boggy
locations but still performs quite well when the bog dries out in the
Summer. In the Fall the pale blue flower attract a huge number of
bees, including many native species, and butterfiles. Each Winter I
cut the Pacific Aster to the ground just as the new shoots start to show
above the soil. Aster chilensis Point St George and Aster chilensis
Purple Haze are both dwarf varieties that generally stay below 3 feet but
still spread enthusiastically. Symphyotrichum chilense this Winter was
unphased when a cold snap took our Winter temperatures down into the low
teens or single digits. The California aster is a nectar source for the
adult California Dogface Butterfly and the
Mournful Duskywing. The California Aster can be found throughout
most of California near streams and grasslands up to 4500 feet elevation.
High resolution photos of Symphyotrichum chilense are part of our garden image collection.
