MACHAERANTHERA bigelovii (Bigelow's Aster)
Machaeranthera Bigelovii commonly known as ‘Bigelow’s Aster’. Bigelow's Tansy Aster is a native biennial to short-lived perennial with deep violet to blue-white colored flowers. Leafy branched stems topped by flower heads with many narrow, bright reddish-lavender or purple rays surrounding yellow central disk. These wildflowers of late summer often color entire banks and roadsides with vibrant purple. In the afternoon, as flower heads become shaded, the rays fold upward in the "sleep position." Sticky Aster resembles true asters (Aster) but has spiny or divided leaves.
| Number of Seeds | Max Coverage Area (Square Ft.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5OZ | 40,625 | 1000 |
| 1OZ | 81,250 | 2,000 |
| 1/4LB | 325,000 | 8,000 |
| 1/2LB | 650,000 | 16,000 |
| 1LB | 1,300,000 | 32,000 |
| 5LB | 6,500,000 | 160,000 |
Scientific Name: Machaeranthera Bigelovii
Common Name: Bigelow’s Aster
Plant Type: Perennial, Biennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Western Colorado, South to New Mexico and Arizona
Height: 12-36 "
Spread: 12-18 "
Habitat: Meadows, Open areas, Subalpine, Coniferous forest
Zone: USDA Hardiness 5-9
Exposure: Full Sun
Blooming Season: Summer, Fall (June into September)
Attracts: Butterflies
Resistant: Drought and Deer Resistant
Flower Shape: Bushy Shaped Flowers
Flower Color: Purple
Moisture: Dry
Water Requirement: Mature plants are extremely drought tolerant and will not need watering
Soil Type: Shallow or rocky soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.5 pH
Uses: Forb Component for restoration and wildlife enhancement projects