Heath Aster

Heath Aster

Symphyotrichum ericoides

A delicate yet abundant native wildflower covered in hundreds of tiny white star-shaped flowers that create soft clouds of bloom across meadows and prairies in early autumn. Heath Aster has fine, narrow leaves that give it a light, airy texture, allowing it to weave naturally among grasses and other prairie plants.

When in full bloom, the plant can appear almost white with flowers, becoming one of the most important late-season nectar sources for pollinators.

A Wildflower of Prairies and Open Fields

Heath Aster grows naturally in dry prairies, sandy soils, open meadows, and along sunny slopes. It is extremely resilient and thrives in tough conditions where many plants struggle, making it an excellent species for ecological restoration and low-maintenance native landscapes.

Planted in meadows and pollinator gardens,  forms soft drifts of white flowers that shimmer among prairie grasses.

Growing Information

Height: 1–3 ft

Spread: 2–3 ft (forming colonies)

Light: Full sun

Soil: Dry to average, sandy or well-drained soils

Hardiness: Zone 3–8

Growth Rate: Fast

Best planted in prairie restorations, meadow gardens, dry slopes, and pollinator habitats.

Ecological Importance

 

Provides abundant late-season nectar for native bees and butterflies

Supports migrating monarch butterflies

Thrives in poor soils while stabilizing prairie ecosystems

Provides habitat and food for numerous beneficial insects

Larval host for
• Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)
• Wavy-lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata)
• Harris’s Three-spot Moth (Harrisimemna trisignata)
• Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)

Associated Prairie & Meadow Species

Common companions in natural prairie and meadow plant communities include:

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Side-oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
• Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)

Planting these species together helps recreate diverse prairie ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants 🌱

3.5 inch Pots