Description
Douglas aster blooms profusely in late summer to fall, providing important late-season pollen and nectar for pollinators. Douglas aster is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the aster family. It usually occurs in wetlands and moist locations in the Klamath-Siskiyou area and will look its best with access to year-round moisture. It is typically a coastal species in the Klamath-Siskiyou, but can also occasionally be found inland. Douglas aster is native to the Western United States, from Alaska to California, and over into Idaho and Montana. It is a much-loved native aster and is common in Northwest native plant gardens. Douglas aster grows very quickly, putting on a lot of vegetative growth and flowering in its first year. It can grow as tall as 3′. Its robust growth habit can be beneficial for many locations, but may be a limiting feature for small yards. Douglas aster spreads by creeping rhizome and will become a cluster of tall, flowering stems over time. Douglas aster is highly attractive to many pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and pollinating flies and wasps. Deadheading prolongs the bloom time.
Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum) seed packets contain approximately 390 seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
No pretreatment required. Sow seed outside in fall to early spring.
