MACHAERANTHERA bigelovii (Bigelow's Aster)

MACHAERANTHERA bigelovii (Bigelow's Aster) is a perennial flowering plant native to western North America. Bigelow's Aster is a herbaceous perennial, meaning it lives for multiple years. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and asters.

Bigelow's Aster forms a clump of upright stems that can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). The plant produces linear to lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy or woolly texture. The flowers are daisy-like and have numerous slender, lavender to purple petals surrounding a yellow center. The blooms are about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter and are borne at the tips of the stems.

The flower typically blooms in late spring to early summer, generally between May and July. The blooming period may vary depending on the local climate and growing conditions. The flower attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, with its nectar-rich blooms.

Bigelow's Aster thrives in full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including well-draining sandy or loamy soils. It is adapted to dry, arid conditions and is commonly found in desert, foothill, and mountainous regions.

Bigelow's Aster is valued for its delicate and showy flowers, which make it a great addition to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes. It adds color and texture to arid and dry landscapes. Bigelow's Aster, with its fuzzy foliage and lovely lavender to purple flowers, brings beauty and resilience to dry and arid environments.