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California Aster
California Aster botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

California Aster

Symphyotrichum chilense
In the United States: Native · also called Pacific Aster

Late-season perennial aster that supplies nectar and especially pollen to honey bees during fall when few other floral resources remain. Flowers attract foragers over an extended period in coastal and meadow habitats. Tolerates a range of soils including clay and becomes drought-tolerant once established; spreads by rhizomes.

Nectarlow
Pollenlow
Bloom (US) June–October
Duration~2 months
TypePerennial
Sunpartial

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