Photo: Matt LavinCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
California Aster Plant Care
Symphyotrichum campestre (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers, this plant originates from North America. Plant collectors are drawn to Symphyotrichum campestre for its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°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 50–80°F (10–27°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 (Symphyotrichum campestre) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Symphyotrichum genus. California Aster is native to much of western North America. California Aster is also known as Field Aster, Aster campestris, Aster bloomeri.
California Aster displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. California Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors like purple, blue, pink, and white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California Aster?
Symphyotrichum campestre 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?
Symphyotrichum campestre grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. California Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Aster?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. 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, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pineywoods 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 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. California Aster is native to much of western North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
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 Symphyotrichum genus — compare its care with other Symphyotrichum species on PlantoScan.
Symphyotrichum 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 Symphyotrichum Species
Other Symphyotrichum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Symphyotrichum campestre (Nutt.) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 77(3): 276 (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: Matt Lavin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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