prairie aster
Solidago ptarmicoides
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Prairie aster (Solidago ptarmicoides) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Flat-topped white blooms with yellow centers attract butterflies. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Rich soil makes the plant lose its natural daintiness.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, Prairie dropseed, and Rough gayfeather.
Native range
AR, CO, CT, GA, and 23 more places. See all 27
AR, CO, CT, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NH, NY, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, VT, WI, WY; NB, NS, PE, and SK.