Showy Aster vs Hairy Golden Aster - TreeTime.ca

Showy Aster vs Hairy Golden Aster

Heterotheca villosa

Eurybia conspicua

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Hairy Golden Aster
Showy Aster

Hairy Golden Aster is a native perennial wildflower known for its clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like blooms. They bloom from mid-summer into fall, providing late-season colour and a valuable nectar source for pollinators, including a variety of bee species.

Flowers mature into fluffy seed heads and can self-seed readily. Removing spent blooms helps manage their spread, but some people will choose to leave a few seed heads to provide food for birds. Hairy Golden Aster grow in bushy clumps, tolerates poor sandy soils, and once established, are among the most drought-tolerant wildflowers. They are well-suited for pollinator gardens, restoration, naturalization, and xeriscaping projects.

Showy Aster is a native perennial wildflower recognized for its tall stems topped with clusters of light purple blooms. Blooming from late summer into autumn, it provides an important late-season source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. It also produces seeds that are eaten by birds, extending its value to wildlife beyond the flowering season.

Drought tolerant once established, Showy Aster grows well in urban, rural, and disturbed sites. With its mix of ecological value and ornamental appeal, it is ideal for pollinator gardens, naturalization projects, and ecological restoration.

Hairy Golden Aster Quick Facts

Showy Aster Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Spreading: seeds - high, rhizomes - medium
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: bright yellow, daisy-like
Flowers: purple-blue, with yellow centers
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: hairy false golden aster, hairy false goldenaster, hairy goldenaster
Other Names: western showy aster