Eurybia spectabilis, commonly known as the Eastern Showy Aster or Purple Wood Aster, is a herbaceous perennial native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows in the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. The plant forms clumps of arching stems with heart-shaped, toothed leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces clusters of showy flowers with violet-purple ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

The Eastern Showy Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide color when many other perennials have finished flowering. It is used in garden borders, native plant gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This aster is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. To maintain vigor, clumps can be divided every few years.CC BY-SA 4.0