hairy aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry or moderate or wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White rays and pale yellow center discs
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Hairy aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. White ray flowers surround yellow discs, and white hairs often cover the stems and branches. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit it in autumn.
Pairs well with Pale purple coneflower, Prairie dropseed, and Indian grass.
Native range
North America.