Purple Haze California Aster
Aster chilensis 'Purple Haze'
Care
full sun, part shade
low
well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
1–2ft tall , 2–3ft wide
Aug-Oct
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coastal bluffs and grasslands of California from Marin County to San Diego County, below 1000 ft elevation.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining
Wildlife Supported
Insects
critical fall migration fuel source Sep-Oct during southbound migration
primary nectar source during peak bloom periods for colony provisioning
important late-season forage crop for hive nutrition
primary native bee pollinator during blooming period
pollen feeding during bloom period
utilized during population peaks and breeding seasons
Birds
important year-round nectar source in California coastal sage scrub and oak savanna habitats
staging nectar resource during fall migration southbound
seeds consumed during late season foraging
secondary floral insectivory resource during breeding season