Western Prairie Aster
Symphyotrichum falcatum
Western Prairie Aster is a tough, wide-ranging native perennial wildflower of the open prairies, plains, and mountain slopes of central and western North America. Its clouds of small white to pale blue daisy-like flowers with golden centers symbolize adaptability, optimism, and the quiet beauty of vast open landscapes.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Summer to fall (July-November, variable by location and variety)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: gaillardias and lantanas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Asters have been revered across many cultures as symbols of love, wisdom, and the healing power of nature. The genus name Symphyotrichum comes from the Greek for "connected hair," referring to the feathery seed plumes. In Indigenous traditions of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain West, related aster species were used medicinally; the Zuni people mixed prairie aster with other herbs in preparations for washing infants, believing it strengthened children and promoted growth. In ancient Greek mythology, asters were said to have grown where the tears of the goddess Astraea fell upon the earth -- linking the flower to the stars, the cosmos, and the enduring cycles of nature. The western prairie aster, with its vast range from Alaska to Texas, embodies the spirit of adaptability and the capacity to find beauty in the widest variety of conditions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to very light shade; performs best in open, sunny sites with good air circulation
Water
Low to medium; drought tolerant once established; adaptable to a wide range of moisture conditions from dry prairie to stream banks and alkali lake margins
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Rocky, Clay, Alkaline, Dry to mesic, Poor to average fertility
Expert Growing Tips
Direct sow seed in fall, pressing lightly onto a prepared seedbed; cold stratification improves spring germination
Grow in full sun with dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil; avoid rich or waterlogged conditions
Cut back by one-third in early summer (the Chelsea Chop method) to encourage a more compact, bushy plant
Leave seed heads standing through winter to provide food for goldfinches and other seed-eating birds
The rhizomatous var. commutatum spreads by underground runners and can form colonies; the clump-forming var. falcatum is better suited to smaller gardens
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Dry prairie and meadow restorations as a reliable, wide-spreading fall bloomer
- Rock gardens and dry native plant gardens as a low-maintenance groundcover
- Naturalized areas and informal borders for late-season color
- Cut flowers in late summer and fall bouquets combined with grasses and other prairie species
- Pollinator gardens for late-season butterflies, bees, and goldfinches that feed on seeds
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Western Prairie Aster
What does western prairie aster symbolize?
Western prairie aster symbolizes adaptability, quiet optimism, and enduring beauty. Its ability to thrive from Alaska to Texas across an enormous range of climates and soils has made it an emblem of resilience and cheerful perseverance, while its star-like blooms connect it to ancient associations between asters and the cosmos.
How does western prairie aster differ from other native asters?
Western prairie aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum) is distinguished from the similar heath aster (S. ericoides) by having larger flower heads with more and longer ray florets (15-35, each up to 1 inch long), and a more open, less crowded inflorescence. Its phyllaries also have tiny spine tips that angle outward or bend backward at maturity.
When does western prairie aster bloom?
It blooms from midsummer through fall, typically July through November depending on location and variety. In warmer southern parts of its range it often blooms later, while in cooler northern and mountain areas it blooms in mid to late summer.
Is western prairie aster good for pollinators?
Yes -- like all native asters, it is an excellent late-season pollinator plant, providing nectar for butterflies, native bees, and other insects when few other wildflowers are blooming. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds also feed on the feathery seed heads through autumn and winter.
Does western prairie aster spread aggressively?
The variety commutatum spreads by underground rhizomes and can form colonies over time. The variety falcatum is clump-forming and stays more contained. In garden settings, both are manageable and non-invasive, but var. commutatum suits larger naturalized areas better than small, formal beds.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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