Calico Aster

Also known as Starved Aster, White Woodland Aster, Side-flowering Aster, Goblet Aster

Calico asters illuminate autumn woodlands with arching sprays of miniature daisy-like blossoms that typically line one side of their wiry branches. The flower heads feature central disk florets that shift from pale yellow to deep reddish-purple after pollination, giving clusters their distinctive multicolored calico pattern. Blooming late into autumn, they provide an essential nectar bridge for native bees, flower flies, and migrating butterflies when few other floral resources remain.