Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aster ericoides (Heath Aster)

White Heath Aster, Heath Aster, Symphyotrichum ericoides


Attractive to butterflies, Aster ericoides (Heath Aster) is a compact and bushy perennial boasting numerous branched stems smothered by sprays of tiny star-like white flowers in late spring to mid-fall. These sprays are so densely packed with blooms that they turn the plant completely white due to the sheer quantity of the flowers. The floral display attracts many butterflies, moths, skippers, bees, flies, and beetles. The stems are clad with stiff, linear, needlelike green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), resembling those of heath shrubs. Though the foliage looks like it might be prickly from a distance, it is actually quite soft to the touch. Native to North America, this attractive perennial is easy to grow, low maintenance, mildew resistant and is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. Spreading by rhizomes to form colonies, Heath Aster makes a fine ground cover for sunny, dry, or rocky garden spots.

  • Typically grows up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Tolerates drought, dry soils, and poor soils.
  • A vital ingredient of late summer and fall borders, cottage gardens, or rock gardens. Great as a groundcover too!
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by division or seed.
  • Native to the central and eastern United States, Canada.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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By Christin Lola, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aster
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aster

Guides with Aster

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