Symphyotrichum ericoides – Heath Aster

A widespread species, occurring from Maine to North Dakota south to Arizona and Georgia. While it is native to our area of New York, it’s most common in western prairies and plains. Heath Aster is a fairly compact plant which bears small (1/2” across), white flowers in profusion in late summer to early fall. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and good for cutting. Distinctive leaves (to 3″ long) are narrow (1/4″ wide), rigid, linear and heath-like (hence the common name). Tolerates poor soils and drought – in richer soils it will grow taller and spread aggressively by rhizomes to form large clumps.