Bushy Aster lives up to its name. By the time it blooms in late summer through fall, the plant has formed a rounded, shrubby mass up to 3 feet tall, its slender stems branching repeatedly into fine sprays of small daisy flowers. The ray petals range from white to pale blue, lavender, or soft pink surrounding yellow disc flowers, creating a hazy, almost impressionistic effect at a distance. Native to eastern and central North America and found as far as Haiti and the Dominican Republic, it occupies roadsides, prairie edges, wetland margins, and sandy soils where drainage is reliable.

Several subspecies exist, and the plant's appearance can vary considerably by region. It spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds with some enthusiasm, so give it space or plan to edit the colony periodically. In a naturalized border or a pollinator planting, however, that spreading habit is an asset. Bushy Aster is reliably drought tolerant once established and handles dry sandy soil better than many perennials. Zones 3 through 9, full sun to partial shade. Division or seed are both viable propagation methods.