Aster divaricatus - Woodland Aster
DESCRIPTION
Woodland AsterAster divaricatus
Asters are the backbone of many late summer and fall landscapes. The white woodland aster is a terrific ground cover and is especially valuable because it grows so well in dry shade. Thin, nearly black stems are topped with clouds of white flowers in early fall.
BENEFITS
- Nectar plant for butterflies and other pollinators
- Seed source for songbirds
- Provides nesting material for birds
- Grows in sun or dry shade
- Great groundcover
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Woods; New Hampshire to Ontario, south to Ohio and Maryland and in the mountains to Georgia.
Distribution Maps by State and County
Interesting Facts
After the flowers finish blooming juncos, sparrows and goldfinches feed on the seed so leave the plants standing through the winter. The fluffy seed is also used by a variety of birds to build nests.
GROWING TIPS
Plant in partial or full shade in average soil. Will grow in dry soil once established. Plant together with spring or summer blooming plants to extend the color of the border into fall. If the plants get too tall they can fall over. Tp prevent that cut them back to about 12" by early June. After the flowers finish blooming songbirds feed on the seed so don't cut them back intil late winter or early spring.