Suisun Marsh Aster
Symphyotrichum lentum
Care
1–5ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Suisun Marsh and adjacent tidal saltwater marshes of the northern San Francisco Bay area, below 10 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Suisun Marsh Aster in a location with good drainage, as this species is native to marsh areas but needs soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to accommodate their spreading rhizomes and mature height of 1–5 feet. The best time to plant is in fall or early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the root system, then reduce watering as the plant matures and becomes more drought-tolerant. Expect lower leaves to wither naturally as the plant flowers - this is normal. The main mistake people make is overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil, which can rot the rhizomes; let the soil dry between waterings once established.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Dogface butterfly, state insect
California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining
Wildlife Supported
Insects
specialist pollinator strongly associated with Symphyotrichum species
critical fall migration fuel source Sep-Oct for southbound monarchs
fall migrants utilize late-blooming aster stands
adult nectar source for energy
hover fly utilizing early and mid-season bloom
provisions nest with collected pollen
opportunistic migrant utilizing available nectar