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Eurybia macrophylla (Bigleaf Aster)

Bigleaf Aster, Large-Leaf Wood-Aster, Aster ianthinus, Aster macrophyllus, Aster macrophyllus var. apricensis, Aster macrophyllus var. excelsior, Aster macrophyllus var. ianthinus, Aster macrophyllus var. pinguifolius, Aster macrophyllus var. sejunctus, Aster macrophyllus var. velutinus, Aster multiformis, Aster nobilis, Aster riciniatus, Aster roscidus, Aster violaris

Eurybia macrophylla, Bigleaf Aster, Large-Leaf Wood-Aster, Aster ianthinus, Aster macrophyllus,s, Fall perennials, Fall Flowers, White Asters, Pink Asters

Prized for its handsome foliage, Eurybia macrophylla (Bigleaf Aster) is an upright, bushy perennial forming a lush carpet of very large, heart-shaped, sharply-toothed, basal leaves, 4-8 in. wide (10-20 cm). From midsummer to mid-fall, flat-topped clusters of small starry white or violet daisies with yellow or rose-colored centers are borne atop sticky flower stalks. Blooming for weeks, the flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. One of the few asters that tolerate shade, Bigleaf Aster is best used as a ground cover in shady gardens, native plant gardens, or woodland gardens.

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm). Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies.
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in dry to moist, sandy loams, and well-drained soils.
  • Great for the late summer and fall cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or banks and slopes.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by seed in fall or provide cold stratification. Can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or by division of clumps.
  • Native to eastern and central North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Aster
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky
Tolerance Full Shade, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Symphyotrichum leave ‘Bluebird’ (Smooth Aster)
Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)
Doellingeria umbellata (Flat-Topped White Aster)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)
Symphyotrichum chilense (Pacific Aster)
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (White Panicle Aster)

Recommended Companion Plants

Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue Mistflower)
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)

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Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)
Aster amellus (Italian Aster)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Aster
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky
Tolerance Full Shade, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aster
Guides with
Aster
Not sure which Aster to pick?
Compare Now

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