Boltonia asteroides recognita, commonly known as False Aster, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet prairies, streambanks, ditches, and moist meadows throughout Illinois and much of the central and eastern United States. It thrives in partial shade to full sunand prefers moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of seasonal drought once established.
This tall, clump-forming plant typically grows 3 to 5 feet high and features slender, branching stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. From late summer into fall, it produces abundant, daisy-like flower heads with white to pale lavender ray florets and yellow centers, resembling asters. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Boltonia asteroides recognita is an excellent choice for adding late-season color and ecological value to rain gardens, moist prairie restorations, and naturalized borders. It provides important nectar sources when many other native flowers have finished blooming and pairs well with species like New England Aster, Goldenrods, Joe-Pye Weed, and Big Bluestem in vibrant, pollinator-rich plantings.
Boltonia asteroides recognita, commonly known as False Aster, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet prairies, streambanks, ditches, and moist meadows throughout Illinois and much of the central and eastern United States. It thrives in partial shade to full sunand prefers moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of seasonal drought once established.
This tall, clump-forming plant typically grows 3 to 5 feet high and features slender, branching stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. From late summer into fall, it produces abundant, daisy-like flower heads with white to pale lavender ray florets and yellow centers, resembling asters. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Boltonia asteroides recognita is an excellent choice for adding late-season color and ecological value to rain gardens, moist prairie restorations, and naturalized borders. It provides important nectar sources when many other native flowers have finished blooming and pairs well with species like New England Aster, Goldenrods, Joe-Pye Weed, and Big Bluestem in vibrant, pollinator-rich plantings.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: alluvial meadows; ditches; marshes; openings in floodplain forests; prairie swales; soggy thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile loamy soil
