Asters are the stars of the late-summer and fall garden, providing vital nectar for pollinators when other flowers are fading. Belonging to the massive Asteraceae (or Daisy) family, which contains over 32,000 species including sunflowers, daisies, and lettuces, true asters are generally hardy perennials that thrive in Zones 3-8. They are cherished for their daisy-like, star-shaped blooms (the name "aster" comes from the Greek word for star) and low-maintenance nature. The Stars of the Garden - Aster, Daisy, Sunflower Family