White Wood Aster, PA Ecotype

Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster) is also known as Eurybia divaricata. Aster divaricatus grows erect in loose, sprawling clumps. One of our shortest asters, White Wood Aster can grow to a height of 3.3 ft. with dentate (toothed) leaves and white flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. Seeds of White Wood Aster have a pappus (parachute) that aids in wind dispersal of the seeds. Aster divaricatus prefers well-drained soils and performs poorly in waterlogged areas. White Wood Aster naturally occurs in substantially shaded edges of woods but can grow in full sun. With its shade tolerance, Aster divaricatus is an excellent component of pollinator-friendly partially shaded area seed mixes. Seed dormancy can be very significant for some lots of White Wood Aster. To break seed dormancy for transplant production, we recommend three months of cold, moist stratification for Aster divaricatus. White Wood Aster is pollinated by bees from many genera, including Agapostemon, Augochlora, Bombus, Ceratina, Colletes, Haliicutus, Megachile, and Melissodes. Aster divaricatus is a member of the aster (Asteraceae) family. The species name divaricatus means “spreading.”