Fall Tansyaster

(Dieteria asteroides)

Fall Tansyaster (Dieteria asteroides)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements

Precipitation 13" - 15"
High Temp. 82°F - 105°F
Low Temp. 22°F - 40°F
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Summary

Dieteria asteroides, commonly known as Fall Tansyaster, is a semi-deciduous perennial or biennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, desert scrub, and grasslands in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 feet (0.2 meters) and a width of 0.8 feet (0.2 meters), forming a low mound of foliage with branching stems. The plant is characterized by its daisy-like flowers with purple rays and yellow centers that bloom in late summer to fall, adding a splash of color when many other plants are fading. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy in mass plantings.

Fall Tansyaster is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used in pollinator gardens, as its late-season flowers provide a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hot climates. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, but it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may be undesirable in some garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.4-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, desert scrub, and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Hoary Aster

Scientific Names: Dieteria asteroides, Machaeranthera asteroides, Machaeranthera tephrodes, Machaeranthera pruinosa, Aster tephrodes, Machaeranthera verna, Machaeranthera canescens var. latifolia, Machaeranthera amplifolia, Machaeranthera simplex

GBIF Accepted Name: Dieteria asteroides Torr.