Heath Aster
Common Name: Heath Aster
Scientific Name: Aster ericoides
Family: Aster
Longevity: Perennial
Height: 1 - 2.5 feet
Bloom Period:
September October
Description: Stems are thin, wiry and branched. Narrow, alternate leaves are ½-1 inch long. Masses of tiny, white, daisy-like flowers cover the plants late in the year.
Comments: Aster is the Greek word for, “star.” Heath Aster is the most common and hardiest of all the native asters. The tiny, daisy-like flowers are set so close together they look like white plumes. Heath Aster is palatable to livestock during early growth but becomes tough with maturity. Flowers are visited by a variety of wasps, bees, flies, beetles and butterflies. Heath Aster is found statewide on prairies, pastures and roadsides.