Frost aster is a native herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that may grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. One of its common names old field aster comes from its tendency to grow rapidly in disturbed sites.

Frost aster prefers full sun and grows well in wet or dry conditions and in rocky or sandy soils. Because this plant attracts polliantors like butterflies and bees, and the seeds provide a food source for birds and small mammals through the fall and winter this plant makes an exellent addtion to a pollinator or winter garden.

Host plant for the larvae of the Pearl Crescent and Silvery Checkerspot butterflies, as well as over 100 different caterpillar species.