Douglas' Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)

Plant · GBIF taxon 3151704

Douglas' Aster

Symphyotrichum subspicatum

Also known as Douglas Aster, Douglas's Aster

Douglas' Aster brings late-season color to moist coastal bluffs, stream margins, and damp meadows across western North America. Branching stems bear dense heads of violet ray petals surrounding yellow central discs that gradually shift to deep reddish-purple as they age. Dense clusters of these long-blooming composite flowers provide crucial autumn nectar for migrating butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators.

PerennialWildflowerPollinator Attractor

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Licensed referenceJan Smith / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Sunlight
Water
Soil Nutrients

Predators

Herbivorous Insects
Deer
Rabbits

ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive species competition

HabitatsCoastal bluffs, damp meadows, stream margins, roadsides

Life spanPerennial (several to many years)

Size / weightNot available

Classification

FamilyAsteraceae
SpeciesSymphyotrichum subspicatum

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.

Responsible observation

Best Viewing Time: Look for vibrant violet blooms along coastal and meadow trails from late summer through mid-autumn.
Gardening Use: Plant in sunny, moist garden spots to provide vital late-season pollen and nectar for native insects.
Identification: Check for violet ray petals surrounding central yellow discs that turn reddish as the flower matures.

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