Woodland aster is a native herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Â Native to the Eastern United States, this wildflower typically grows in dry open woodlands, primarily in Appalachian mountain areas.
Woodland aster can grow to a mounding height of 3 feet and spread vigorously by rhizomes, reaching its full growth in 2 to 5 years. It prefers partial shade with an average of 3-4 hrs of sun daily and medium to dry, well-drained soils. It is shade, deer, and drought tolerant. Shearing the plant to 6 inches in early summer produces a more compact plant. Propagate this plant by division in the spring.
The showy white flowers appear in clusters, dancing above the heart-shaped leaves in late summer to fall, and are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds that follow the flower, providing a valuable fall and winter food source. The center of the flowers (disk flowers) change from yellow to red upon pollination.
Use this plant in open shade gardens, woodland areas, native, pollinator, or cottage gardens. It is a tough native plant that blooms in the shade and can be hard to find!
Previously known as:
- Aster corymbosus
- Aster divaricatus
- Eurybia divaricata
- Symphyotrichum divaricatum