Symphyotrichum (Aster) ericoides (White Heath Aster) Unity Grown

Symphyotrichum ericoides (syn. Aster ericoides), commonly called white heath aster or simply heath aster, is a medium-sized upright wildflower commonly found in upland areas, dry woods, and in disturbed forest margins across much of the contiguous US. Growing to between one and three feet tall, heath aster produces telltale yellow and white, many-petaled flowers much like other aster relatives; blooms are produced in great number along vertical and arching branches from late summer into the mid fall.

Named for the similarity of its foliage to heather (Genus: Erica), Symphyotrichum ericoides is covered in fine, narrow leaves, and tolerates a great deal of growing conditions, growing well in poor, rocky, sandy, or clay-rich soils as long as it's provided with full sun. Heath aster is also very drought tolerant and is a great choice for erosion control planting in locations where seasonal flooding or runoff isn't consistent.