Symphyotrichum ericoides, White Heath Aster
Popular
Notes:
Like Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset), some asters like this one can look a bit “weedy” for much of the year. When they bloom in late summer/early fall, however, they are beautiful and a vital source of nutrients for pollinators of all sorts. If asters are included in residential gardens, attention to clipping flowers before they go to seed is recommended as they are prolific seeders. If being used for restoration, they are excellent due to this and being incredibly resilient to high moisture and drought.
To avoid a matted mess of plant material, when collecting, shake the plant into your paper bag. The seeds will readily fall off when ripe.
- Listing ID: 1221
- Duration: Perennial
- Soil Moisture: 1-5 (dry to wet): 2-4
- Stratification: No stratification required, light likely required for germination
- Bloom Time: August-October
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster)
- Sunlight Exposure: Partial shade to full sun
- Latin Name: Symphyotrichum ericoides
- Common Name: White Heath Aster, Frost Aster
- Eco-Region: 251, 255