Description

California aster is one of the tougher members of the sunflower family to grace the state. It grows in many plant communities but requires cooler settings at either high elevations or within the influence of the Pacific. This selection presumably was taken from Pt. St. George along the coast just north of Crescent City in northern California. One finds California aster growing among other plants, rising on slender stalks of narrow, lance-shaped leaves topped by small round flowers. The flowers range in color from white to lavender. The plant will spread via rhizome to form a wide patch, especially if encouraged by supplemental irrigation. California aster tolerates a wide range of conditions. The ‘Pt. St. George’ selection is appreciated for its robust growth, lavender flowers, and small stature. At six inches in height it is a natural choice for small gardens. California aster is winter deciduous.