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James Burghardt
Asteraceae
Aster divaricatus
White Wood Aster
This colonizing perennial is a common resident of dry, open wooded areas across much of eastern North America. Delicate in appearance but easy to grow, it is valued for its clouds of small, white daisies produced at summer’s end.
The wiry, branched, upright to lax stems of white wood aster arise from wandering underground rhizomes. The stems are often purple-tinged. Toothed, oval to lance-shaped leaves alternate along the stems, becoming narrower and shorter-stalked toward the stem tips. Loose, airy clusters of small, white daisies with thin ray petals and soft yellow to brown centers appear in late summer to early autumn. These are highly attractive to butterflies and other small, pollinating insects. The small seeds that follow may self-sow readily to form small colonies.
This perennial grows easily in part sun to part shade and woodsy, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. If seedlings are not desired, faded flowering stems should be cut back promptly after blooming. Divide clumps in spring every few years, if necessary. Use white wood aster to bring softness and light to shady beds and borders, or allow it to naturalize in woodland gardens. Its fine texture contrasts nicely with the bold foliage of other shade lovers such as hostas or oakleaf hydrangea. The dainty blossoms also make excellent, long-lasting fillers for floral arrangements.
Some recent botanical and taxonomic references place this species in the genus Eurybia (i.e., Eurybia divaricata).
8 - 1
3 - 8
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
8"-36" / 20.3cm - 91.4cm
12"-30" / 30.5cm - 76.2cm
Late Summer, Early Fall
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Canada
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Average Water
Spreading
Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Yellow
Green
No
Single
Matte
Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Sometimes
Birds, Butterflies
Yes
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