Photo: Matt Mangan, USFWSPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Decurrent False Aster Plant Care
Boltonia decurrens (Torr. & A.Gray) Wood
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Boltonia decurrens is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names decurrent false aster and claspingleaf doll's daisy. It is native to the floodplains along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the United States, where the habitat has been drastically altered, leading to its decline. The plant was once distributed across 400 kilometers of riverside forest from LaSalle, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri. As the rivers and riparian habitat alongside them have been developed, the plant's distribution has been fragmented into about 20 separate populations, mostly in Illinois. At one point it was thought to have been extirpated from Missouri, but a few populations have been located near St. Louis since the mid-1980s. Despite having declined over time, several populations of the plant contain many thousands of individuals. Populations vary depending on the amount and duration of flooding that occurs in the area each year. The plant is a federally listed threatened species.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Decurrent False Aster?
Water Decurrent False 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 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Decurrent False Aster Native To?
What Is the Decurrent False Aster?
Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Boltonia genus. Decurrent False Aster is native to the floodplains along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the United States. Decurrent False Aster is also known as Running False Aster, Boltonia glastifolia, Boltonia asteroides.
Decurrent False Aster displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Decurrent False Aster produces daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or lavender.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Decurrent False Aster?
Boltonia decurrens 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 Decurrent False Aster Need?
Decurrent False Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Decurrent False Aster Prefer?
Boltonia decurrens grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Decurrent False Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Decurrent False Aster?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Decurrent False Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Decurrent False Aster?
Feed Decurrent False 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 Decurrent False 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 Decurrent False Aster?
Decurrent False Aster can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false aster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Decurrent False Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Decurrent False 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 Decurrent False Aster?
Decurrent False Aster is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. 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 Decurrent False Aster Need?
Decurrent False Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Decurrent False Aster is native to the floodplains along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the United States. In cooler regions, grow Decurrent False Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Decurrent False 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 Boltonia genus — compare its care with other Boltonia species on PlantoScan.
Boltonia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Decurrent False Aster thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Boltonia decurrens (Torr. & A.Gray) Wood, family Asteraceae (first published in Amer. Bot. Fl. : 166 (1870)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Decurrent False 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: Matt Mangan, USFWS, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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