What is Douglas Aster?

Douglas Aster (Aster subspicatus) is a perennial wildflower native to the Pacific Northwest coastal regions. These wildflowers are identified by its blue to purple disk flowers. The plant flowers in Summer, typically, June to October depending on the microclimate they are planted within. This showy wildflower is a great resource wildlife.

Douglas Aster as a Wildlife Plant

Douglas Aster makes a great habitat wildflower in the landscape. The purple flowers provide a great source of both pollen and nector for a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. The leaves of the plant are also a host plant for a Varity of butterflies and moths.

Plant Growth Habits

The mature plant can reach 3 ft tall. The plant produces rhizomes allowing it to spread out underground. Douglas Aster is a easy plant to grow due to its tolerant nature. It makes a great addition to shorelines, meadows, rock gardens and streambanks. It grows in full sun to part shade. It is drought tolerant and can grow in areas of poor soil. However, it is beneficial to water newly planted transplants for the first year while the plant is establishing roots.