White Heath Aster

Biological Name:

Symphyotrichum pilosum (White-Heath-Aster)

Natural Habitat:

White heath aster is a type of flowering plant that is native to North America. It is typically found in dry, rocky soils, such as open woodlands and grasslands.

Description:

White-Heath-Aster is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small white flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It is often found in dry open areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is white heath aster good for?
A: Soil TypeLoam, SandBenefitsBirds, Butterflies, Pollinators, Host Plant
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Q: Where is the best place to plant an aster?
A: Asters prefer areas with cool, moist summers as well as cool nights, in sites with full to partial sun. In warmer climates, asters do not like the hot midday sun. Soil should be moist but well-drained, and loamy.
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Q: Do asters come back every year?
A: Asters that are planted in your garden in the spring will bloom in the fall. For late-season planting, you can purchase them already in bloom for fall color. They’ll more than likely return next year, as long as you get them in the ground about six to eight weeks before the ground freezes in your area.
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Q: Are aster plants invasive?
A: While the plant isn’t on the federal invasive and noxious plant list, it is considered to be a problematic plant that easily becomes weedy in dry areas, including pine forests, chaparrals, and deserts.
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Q: Is white heath aster edible?
A: Are asters edible? Yes, you can add the flowers fresh and added to salads, and the leaves are also edible and may be used to make a tea.
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Q: Is white heath aster poisonous?
A: Asters are not poisonous to humans, dogs, cats or livestock.
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Q: Is aster poisonous to dogs?
A: Asters (Callistephus chinensis). Asters are a great fall flower and are usually sold around the same time as mums. Luckily, these beauties are considered nontoxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
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Q: Are asters invasive?
A: Will Asters Spread? All asters have the potential to spread. They are rambunctious plants that spread by underground rhizomes. While they make for excellent ground cover and very rarely cause any real problems in the garden, they can occasionally become quite weedy.
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Q: Where does aster grow best?
A: Asters prefer areas with cool, moist summers as well as cool nights, in sites with full to partial sun. In warmer climates, asters do not like the hot midday sun. Soil should be moist but well-drained, and loamy. Wet clay soil will lead to root rot and dry sandy soil will lead to plant wilt.
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Q: Is white heath aster a perennial?
A: White Heath Aster is an herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae or Aster family and native to North America. Typically found growing in dry open areas, this plant needs about 1 to 3 feet of space in the landscape.
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Q: Do asters come back year after year?
A: Asters that are planted in your garden in the spring will bloom in the fall. For late-season planting, you can purchase them already in bloom for fall color. They’ll more than likely return next year, as long as you get them in the ground about six to eight weeks before the ground freezes in your area.
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Q: Is white heath aster invasive?
A: It’s a good idea to check with your local cooperative extension office before growing heath aster, as the plant is invasive in some areas and may crowd out other vegetation if not carefully controlled.
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Q: Do aster plants survive winter?
A: Asters have good winter hardiness, reliably surviving winters in Zones 4 to 8. As with most perennials, winter survival hinges on having aster plants in the right type of soil. Tuck asters into soil that’s fertile and well-drained.
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Q: Do asters come back after cutting?
A: Asters make a big splash in summer and fall on their own, but you can extend the season even further by “pinching” (pruning or using hedge shears) aster stems back by about one-third in early June in the North and late June in the South.
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Q: What do you do with asters in the winter?
A: Asters are fine left in the ground during winter if the soil is well-drained. Any asters growing in pots should be cut back after flowering and then stored in a cold frame or greenhouse.
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Q: What eats white heath aster?
A: Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs.
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Q: Do asters spread easily?
A: All asters have the potential to spread. They are rambunctious plants that spread by underground rhizomes. While they make for excellent ground cover and very rarely cause any real problems in the garden, they can occasionally become quite weedy.
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Q: Is heath aster invasive?
A: It’s a good idea to check with your local cooperative extension office before growing heath aster, as the plant is invasive in some areas and may crowd out other vegetation if not carefully controlled.
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Q: Are white asters invasive?
A: The white wood aster (S. divaricatum) bears a cloud of white blossoms atop dark brown, wiry stems. A woodland plant, it spreads by seeds and underground runners. It will thrive in the dry soil and dappled shade found under tall oaks and maples but can be invasive.
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Q: Do asters repel pests?
A: The aster is a pretty perennial that works well as a border for vegetable gardens. That’s because asters repel almost all insects. You can plant asters with sunflowers for a colorful effect, or on their own as an effective insect repellent.
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Q: Do aster plants spread?
A: Asters will spread by seeds and underground rhizomes. Either cut back the whole plant after flowering, since it will be one of the last flowers to bloom in your garden and you’d be cleaning it up soon anyway. Or deadhead the spent flowers on earlier blooming varieties to allow the foliage to naturally yellow and die.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.