Symphyotrichum ericoides (Heath Aster)

A confirmed deer-resistant, drought-tolerant late bloomer, heath aster is a documented larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and supports seven specifically named specialist bee species - though it's worth knowing that the variety S. ericoides var. ericoides has its own official New Jersey Rare Plant Profile, a meaningful conservation detail for New Jersey-bound plantings.

Species Overview

Symphyotrichum ericoides, commonly called heath or white heath aster, is a bushy perennial wildflower growing up to 2 feet tall, with numerous short, needle-like leaves that give the plant a heath-like appearance. Small, daisy-like white flowerheads with yellow centers bloom profusely along the stems in late summer and early fall.

Application

• Dry, poor-soil, and rocky restoration - drought-tolerant late bloomer
• Larval host habitat for the Pearl Crescent butterfly
• Specialist bee habitat - seven named Andrena and Colletes species
• Deer-pressured meadow and prairie restoration

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry to average, well-drained soils; tolerates rocky and poor soil
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry, sun-loving aster, consistent with this species' already-confirmed habitat profile from earlier work.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• IMPORTANT: the variety Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides has its own official New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Rare Plant Profile - worth conservation awareness for New Jersey-specific sourcing. Spreads by rhizome and self-seeds readily; can be aggressive and may need staking in plantings without much surrounding vegetation for support.