Photo: Frank VincentzCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
California Aster Plant Care
Eurybia integrifolia (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eurybia integrifolia, (formerly Aster integrifolius) commonly called the thickstem aster, is an herbaceous perennial in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the western United States where it grows primarily in the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Sierra Nevada in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, and California.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for California Aster?
Water California Aster every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the California Aster Native To?
What Is the California Aster?
California Aster (Eurybia integrifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eurybia genus. California Aster is native to the western United States. California Aster is also known as Integrifolious Aster, Aster amplexifolius, Aster integrifolius.
California Aster displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. California Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California Aster?
Eurybia integrifolia requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the California Aster Need?
California Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the California Aster Prefer?
Eurybia integrifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. California Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Aster?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for California Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a California Aster?
Feed California Aster every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a California Aster?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a California Aster?
California Aster can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to compact aster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the California Aster?
California Aster is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the California Aster Need?
California Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. California Aster is native to the western United States. In cooler regions, grow California Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
California Aster is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eurybia genus — compare its care with other Eurybia species on PlantoScan.
Eurybia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
California Aster thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eurybia Species
Other Eurybia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eurybia integrifolia (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 77: 260. 1995 [dt. Sep 1994; publ. on 31 Jan 1995]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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