white wood aster

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1-3 ft. tall
1.5-2.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought

Inolerant of

Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds mature in late fall. Clumps can be divided in early spring.

Plant Planting Notes

Spreads aggressively by rhizomes.

Plants/Diseases

Somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew and aster wilt.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Basal leaves are ovate with cordate bases up to 2.5 inches long and 2 inches wide.  These leaves with when the plant flowers. Leaves on the lower stem are up to 8 inches long with cordate or rounded bases. The upper leaves are sessile and oval to lance-shaped. All leaves are serrate with hairs are present on the underside.

Flowers

Flowers are 1/2 – 1 inch wide with white rays and yellow disk centers that change to red when pollinated and appear in flat-topped, terminal clusters with 6-10 white petals. Bracts are whitish with green trips. Flowering time is generally earlier than most Asters.

Fruit

Although often referred to as an achene, the fruit is a cypsela.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Native to forests and woodlands ranging from moist to fairly dry.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Within South Carolina, white wood-aster is absent in the Coastal Plain, common in the Piedmont,
and common in the Mountains.