California Aster
Corethrogyne filaginifolia · Asteraceae
- Form
- Perennial
- Height
- 1–3 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Habitat
- Coastal Sage Scrub · Chaparral · Grassland · Oak Woodland
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Dry slopes, scrub, chaparral edges, grassland, open woodland
- Form / size: Perennial, 1–3 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water (established): Low
- Blooms: Summer–fall · Pollinator value: High
Description
A tough late-blooming native with narrow gray-green leaves and lavender-purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It brings a soft aster look to dry scrub and slope habitats.
Ecological role
California aster blooms from June through November, which begins in summer and extends through fall. This timing makes it valuable to native bees and butterflies when many other food sources are thinning out. The medium daisy-form flowers, typical of the Asteraceae family, offer accessible pollen and nectar to a broad range of native bees and butterflies.
The plant’s low water demand and drought tolerance mean it persists through the dry season when many annuals and spring ephemerals have vanished. In coastal sage scrub and chaparral openings where it commonly grows, a patch of aster in bloom is one of the few reliable sources of forage for insects in late summer and fall.
Habitat & range
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral openings, grasslands, roadcuts, and open woodland edges across California.
In the garden
Excellent for dry pollinator gardens and slopes. It pairs well with California Buckwheat, Golden Yarrow, California Fuchsia, and native grasses.
Propagation
From seed or division. Cut back lightly after bloom to refresh growth.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Dry slopes, scrub edges, and native plant gardens.
Problems
Can spread modestly where happy. Needs sun and drainage to stay compact.
