seeds: seeds: Symphyotrichum ericoides (heath aster), local ecotype

Includes a brochure with instructions on how to sow native seeds.

Seed sowing instructions

code A, D
You can find more information about how to sow native seeds HERE.

Plant information

Symphyotrichum ericoides, commonly known as Heath Aster (former botanic name Aster ericoides), is a low-growing, bushy perennial native to dry prairies, open meadows, and roadsides across parts of New England. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils with low to moderate fertility, displaying a strong tolerance for drought and disturbance.

This species integrates well with other dry-site natives such as Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem), Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod), and Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), forming diverse and resilient late-season pollinator habitats. The profusion of small white flowers attracts a wide range of native bees, including Andrena, Lasioglossum, and Melissodes spp., as well as butterflies and syrphid flies. S. ericoides also serves as a larval host for several moth species and provides nectar to migrating Danaus plexippus (Monarch) butterflies. Its seeds are consumed by granivorous birds such as Spinus tristis (American Goldfinch), making this aster a key structural and ecological component of open, dry native plant communities.

seeds: Symphyotrichum ericoides (heath aster)

Name: seeds: Symphyotrichum ericoides (heath aster)
SKU: 102933989394

$4.75

Quantity

Only 2 left in stock

packet 150 seeds

stratification code
A, D

type: Perennial

sun needs: Full sun

water needs:
Moist to dry soils

height: 1-3'

plant spacing: 2'

bloom time:
August, September, October

bloom color: white

A	Seed should germinate when sown in a warm location.
B	Hot water treatment: Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, pour over seeds, and soak for 24 hours.. Generally this is for seed with a thick seedcoat.
C	(# of days of cold moist stratification) Seeds germinate after a period of cold, moist stratification. Mix seeds with a handful of damp vermiculite or clean sand (moist—but not wet). Place mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator, NOT the freezer.
D	Sow on the surface of the soil. Generally these seeds are very small.
E	These seeds need a 60-90 day warm, moist period followed by a 60-90 day cold, moist period.
F	These seeds need a 60-90 day cold, moist period followed by a 60-90 day warm, moist period followed by a 2nd cold, 60-90 day moist period.
G	Highest germination rate in cool soil.
H	Seeds need scarification: One way this can be achieved is to rub the seed between two sheets of sand paper. If code "C" is also called for, scarify first.
I	Legume Inoculant (more info next year).
J	Legume seeds (more info next year).
K	Parasitic species which needs a host plant.
L	Plant fresh seed or keep seed moist.
M	Best results when seed sown outdoors in the fall for a natural winter.

seeds: Symphyotrichum ericoides (heath aster)

details

Stratification Codes

Seed Calendar

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type:	Perennial
sun needs:	Full sun
water needs:	Moist to dry soils
height:	1-3'
plant spacing:	2'
bloom time:	August, September, October
bloom color:	white