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 Cody Hough
Symphyotrichum ericoides (Heath aster)
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 salt tolerant. Some salt exposure should not be fatal to the plant but some leaf burning may still occur. Deer resistant (please note that does not mean deer proof). Can grow in a container Can handle roadside conditions You can plant this in a rain garden