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Native Plant Society of Texas

Small White Aster

Symphyotrichum racemosum

Other common name(s):

Smooth White Oldfield Aster, Small-flower White Aster, Fragile-Stem American Aster

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Flatwoods

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

to
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium, High

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink, Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Bees

Maintenance

Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. Native habitat: dry to moist fields, meadows, forests, bottomland forests, swamps, moist prairie swales, streambanks, pond margins, moist open disturbed areas.

Comments

Blooms August-October. Produces several spreading to ascending branches mostly above the midpoint, sparsely pubescent. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves with serrated margins occur along the stems, with larger basal leaves spatulate to oblanceolate in shape. Flowers heads solitary or in small, loose clusters toward the branch tips, along one side of widely diverging branches on a smooth, slender, purple-tinged stem.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Aster brachypholis, Aster fragilis, Aster fragilis var. brachypholis, Aster fragilis var. subdumosus, Aster racemosus, Aster vimineus, Aster vimineus var. subdumosus, Symphyotrichum racemosum var. subdumosum

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Clump Division Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth as the original plant, spacing them about 18 inches apart. Water thoroughly. Early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the entire clump, being sure to get as much of the root system as possible. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-symphyotrichum-racemosum/
Seed No Treatment Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a soil mixture that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A suitable mix could be a combination of peat, sand, and loam. Ensure the substrate is loose and friable to allow for good seed contact and moisture retention. Scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of the prepared soil mix. Cover the seeds very thinly with the same soil mixture or a sprinkling of fine vermiculite to just barely cover them, as the seeds need some light to germinate effectively. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the planting container in a location that receives bright, indirect light. The ideal temperature for germination of smooth white oldfield aster is between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Seed germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, continue providing sufficient water and begin a fertilization regime with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks. Begin by collecting mature seeds after the blooming season ends and the flower heads have dried. Only collect seeds that appear plump and disease-free to ensure healthy germination. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-symphyotrichum-racemosum/ 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Symphyotrichum_racemosum.html
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but helpful). Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, keep consistently moist, and provide bright, indirect light. Late spring to early summer, when new growth is vigorous. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-symphyotrichum-racemosum/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason