Also known as Annual Saltmarsh Aster · Bushy Starwort · Saltmarsh Aster
Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) is a fast-growing annual wildflower thriving in saline soils, producing small daisy-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering and growth.
Consistent Moisture Recommended
50% intensity
Prefers moist soil but tolerates some dryness. Avoid waterlogging.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Saline
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures and can withstand moderate heat. Protect from hard frost as it is an annual.
Low Feeding Needs
25% intensity
Fertilize minimally in spring; it thrives in lean soils.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Once established, it can tolerate brief periods of dryness, particularly in its natural saline habitats.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted. At the end of the growing season, cut back the stems to about 10-15 cm from the ground to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter.
Propagates readily from seeds sown directly outdoors in autumn or early spring, or started indoors a few weeks before the last frost. Cuttings can also be taken in early summer and rooted in moist soil or water.
As an annual, this plant typically does not require repotting. If grown in containers and overwintering is attempted, repot in early spring into fresh potting mix before new growth begins.
Otherwise, treat as an annual and replant each year.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum)
Where Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Symphyotrichum |
| Species | Symphyotrichum subulatum |
Similar in genus Symphyotrichum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
