Symphyotrichum ericoides (formerly Aster ericoides)
Heath aster
 
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.
 
photo by B. Drews