Common Names: Heath Aster | White Heath Aster | Downy Aster
Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum ericoides
 
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Size: 1.5-3'
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall
 
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
 
Ecological Benefits
Promotes biodiversity in Maryland's ecosystems by providing essential habitat and food for native pollinators. White Heath Asters are a great late season food source for a wide variety of pollinators including butterflies, long and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. It is the host plant for the Harris's checkerspot butterfly and the seeds provide winter food for birds. The very robust root system helps stabilize soil and helps reduce erosion.