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Aster ericoides



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Kemper Code:  J480

Common Name: heath aster
Zone: 3 to 10
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: Central and eastern United States, Canada
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: August - October   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: White with yellow centers
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Ground cover Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in sandy or clay soils. Generally tolerates poor soils and drought.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Heath aster is a Missouri native plant that typically occurs in open rocky woods, prairies and along roads and railroads. A bushy, somewhat compact plant with many-branched stems which typically grows 1' to 3' tall. Small, daisy-like flowers (1/2" across) are borne in profusion in spreading, often one-sided, dense sprays (racemes) in late summer to early fall. Ray flowers are usually white, but infrequently blue or pink and center disks are yellow. Distinctive leaves (to 3" long) are narrow (1/4" wide), rigid, linear and heath-like (hence the common name). Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. Mildew resistant. May need staking.

Uses:

Provides profuse, late summer to early fall bloom for the border, rock garden, wildflower garden or native plant garden.

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