Symphyotrichum falcatum - White Prairie Aster

White Prairie Aster is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that brightens late-season landscapes with a profusion of small, white, daisy-like flowers with golden centers. Its fine, branching stems and narrow leaves create a delicate, airy appearance. Highly adaptable, this resilient native thrives in hot, dry landscapes, supporting bees, butterflies like Monarchs, and other pollinators well into fall. As the season progresses, its seeds provide food for small birds such as finches. Due to its prolific seeding and extended bloom period ”where flowers continue blooming even as ripe seeds are dispersed by the wind” it is best planted where its tendency to spread by seed is an asset rather than a concern.

With its low-growing, spreading habit, White Prairie Aster is well-suited to xeriscapes, rock gardens, prairie restorations, and other dry, open landscapes. Its ability to flourish in poor soils with minimal care makes it an excellent choice for self-sustaining gardens and naturalized plantings. Moderately deer-resistant due to its coarse foliage and tough, wiry stems, though occasional browsing may occur.