Bigleaf Aster
(Eurybia macrophylla)
Bigleaf Aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-07T18:03:23-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eurybia macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forest edges in the Eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). The plant features large, heart-shaped basal leaves and smaller, lance-shaped upper stem leaves. From late summer to early fall, it produces clusters of daisy-like flowers with deep lavender or violet ray florets, sometimes white, and disc florets that are cream-colored or light yellow, turning purple as they age. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
Bigleaf Aster is valued for its shade tolerance and the textural contrast its large leaves provide in woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used in border plantings, as ground cover, and in native plant gardens. This aster prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils with rich organic matter. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions or when airflow is poor. To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, division every few years is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bigleaf Aster is valued for its shade tolerance and the textural contrast its large leaves provide in woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used in border plantings, as ground cover, and in native plant gardens. This aster prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils with rich organic matter. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions or when airflow is poor. To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, division every few years is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forest edges
Other Names
Common Names: Large-Leaved Aster , Largeleaf Aster , Bigleaf Wood Aster , Großblättrige Aster , Prärieaster , Glandelaster
Scientific Names: Eurybia macrophylla , Aster macrophyllus , Aster macrophyllus var. sejunctus , Eurybia macrophylla var. ianthina , Aster macrophyllus var. velutinus , Eurybia macrophylla var. pinguifolia , Aster multiformis , Biotia latifolia , Aster macrophyllus var. excelsior , Aster roscidus
GBIF Accepted Name: Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass.