False aster is a herbaceous perennial native to the Great Plains where it inhabits wetlands. It is a member of the aster family (Asteraceae) and the flower heads resemble those of aster with a center of yellow disc flowers surrounded by white ray flowers sometimes tinged with pink, violet or purple. The flowers are carried in loose panicles in late summer and open together so as to completely cover the large plant. When not in bloom, false aster is attractive with slender branched stems carrying linear gray-green leaves up to five inches long. It slowly spreads by rhizomes. Outstanding cultivars include ‘Snowbank’ and ‘Pink Beauty’.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size: 3-6’ H x 2-4’ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade but may need staking.
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained; tolerates some drought.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Beneficial Insects Attracted: Butterflies, ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, big-eyed bugs, syrphid flies, soldier beetles, tachinid flies