White Heath Aster

Scientific name

Symphyotrichum ericoides

Description

White Heath Aster is a small wildflower species which can grow up to 1 m tall. This plant has a small, dense, heath-like appearance. It has green to grey, hairy stems with numerous alternate, stemless leaves. Its upper leaves are linear, 1-6 cm long, and have a spine tip. The lower leaves are broadly lanceolate and typically fall off by the time the flowers bloom. At the tops of the stems are short wand-like clusters of small white flowers. Each flower has 12 white ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disk florets. There are also many needle-shaped green bracts along the stem. The flowers give way to small seeds with tufts of hair to help in dispersal as it spreads via seeding and by rhizomatous roots. This wildflower species attracts butterflies and bees, as well as wild turkeys, deer, and rabbits.

Planting conditions

White Heath Aster prefers dry to moist moisture levels, can grow in variable soil types, and requires lots of sun. It is drought tolerant once established, but young plants should be watered occasionally. It can naturally be found in meadows, fields, tall grass prairies, open forests, along forest edges, and on rocky bluffs.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m