Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Heath Aster

Symphyotrichum ericoides

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium to Dry
Bloom time
Aug–Oct
Bloom color
White
Notes
Rhizomatous

About Heath Aster

Heath Aster is a profusion of tiny, snow-white blossoms that transform this plant into a shimmering, cloud-like presence in the late-season garden. Reaching 1 to 3 feet in height, it produces hundreds of small white flowers with yellow centers that can occasionally take on delicate hints of pink. Its fine, needle-like foliage resembles that of heath, giving the plant a unique, airy texture. Native across much of North America, it is typically found in dry prairies, open fields, and along roadsides. This hardy perennial is a critical source of late-season nectar for many pollinators and serves as a host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. Heath Aster thrives in full sun and well-drained, medium to dry soils. It has a rhizomatous habit and self-seeds readily, which makes it an excellent choice for filling large spaces or for erosion control, providing a stunning late-autumn display.

Native range

Native to 42 states:

AlabamaArkansasArizonaColoradoConnecticutDelawareGeorgiaIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaVermontWashingtonWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Symphyotrichum ericoides

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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