Plant guide
China aster
Callistephus chinensis
China aster is considered non-toxic to cats. Seasonal flowers suit containers or a cutting garden. Check the species rather than relying on the broad name “aster.”
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: Callistephus chinensis only. Confirm the botanical label; a photograph cannot identify a visitor’s specimen.
Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Callistephus chinensis
By Carl Lewis
License: CC BY 2.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
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Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Callistephus chinensis
By Carl Lewis
License: CC BY 2.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
Ostrich Feather China aster seeds
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Callistephus chinensis and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Callistephus chinensis
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Callistephus chinensis only; the light and water categories summarize the cited growing guidance.
- Light
- Sunny position or Some direct sun
Choose full sun to partial shade.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Keep soil consistently moist with good drainage.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
This annual favors cool weather. A preferred numerical growing range was not established in the reviewed source.
- Potting
- Use rich soil and allow air circulation around plants.
- Through the year
- Support tall varieties when needed; flowering can continue from summer into fall.
Growing-guide sources
- Callistephus chinensis - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Exact named species; garden conditions are not relabeled as indoor requirements.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-17. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.
Sources & review
- China aster: plant safety reference ↗ASPCA Poison Control · Accessed
The ASPCA entry names the exact species and explicitly classifies it as non-toxic to cats. NC State supplies identity and growing guidance.
- China aster: supporting reference ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Safety last reviewed .