Quick answer: Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis) is native to 7 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium-High water, Moist, low drought tolerance |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained soil, acidic sands preferred |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Sep |
| Height | Up to 2 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies, nectar source |
none noted formally; readily self-sows and colonizes vigorously, may need dividing every 3-4 years
Lookalike alert
Cultivar ('Blue Star') in both.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Stokes aster
Where is Stokes aster native?
Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis) is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Stokes aster bloom?
Stokes aster blooms May-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Stokes aster need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium-High water, Moist, low drought tolerance. Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil, acidic sands preferred. Mature height: Up to 2 ft tall.
Is Stokes aster good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, nectar source.
Is Stokes aster deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Stokes aster is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Stokes aster seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Stokes aster.
- Orange azalea Rhododendron austrinum
- Spanish dagger Yucca aloifolia
- Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor
- Coral bean Erythrina herbacea
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- Standing cypress Ipomopsis rubra
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.