Douglas Aster is a tall spreading PNW native perennial that blooms into the fall past the first frost! It is found in a wide variety of habitats from salt sprayed coastal cliffs to wet forest edges to fresh-water stream banks. Douglas Aster is reported to be a host plant for the Northern Crescent, Field Crescent, the Painted Lady, and the Isabella Tiger Moth. Douglas Aster has a long bloom season and can be extended even more by removing the dead flowerheads. It is also moisture loving and can be found in wetlands but is also resiliant enough to handle our dry summers.
Douglas Aster
Douglas Aster - Aster subspicatus
Size: 2-4' tall.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade, moist soil in full sun, dry to moist soil in part shade.
Features: Does well on saltwater shorelines, spreads easily by rhizomes, bluish purple flowering throughout summer and sometimes into fall.
Natural Habitat: Native to the Pacific Northwest, found in coastals areas, western forests, and riverbanks.
Companion Plants: Tufted Hair Grass, Idahoe Fescue, Purple Coneflower.