Flaxleaf Whitetop Aster
(Ionactis linariifolia)
Flaxleaf Whitetop Aster (Ionactis linariifolia)
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aarongunnar
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
aarongunnar
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: aarongunnar | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: aarongunnar | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-09-10T14:16:22-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ionactis linariifolia, commonly known as Flaxleaf Whitetop Aster, is a deciduous perennial herb native to dry, open woodlands and rocky outcrops in the Eastern United States. It typically grows up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall with narrow, linear leaves that can reach 4 cm (1.6 inches) in length. The plant is characterized by its flat-topped clusters of flower heads, each featuring a striking combination of blue, white, or violet ray flowers encircling numerous yellow disc flowers. The blooming period occurs in late summer to early fall, and the flowers are notably attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
Flaxleaf Whitetop Aster is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and restoration projects. It is also used in border plantings for its showy flowers and as a nectar source for pollinators. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade and requires low to medium amounts of water once established. This plant is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Flaxleaf Whitetop Aster is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and restoration projects. It is also used in border plantings for its showy flowers and as a nectar source for pollinators. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade and requires low to medium amounts of water once established. This plant is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Dry, open woodlands and rocky outcrops
Other Names
Common Names: Stiff Aster, Flax-Leaved Ankle-Aster, Flax-Leaved Aster, Flax-Leaved Whitetop Aster, Savory-Leaved Aster, Spruce Aster, Savory-Leaf Aster, Stiff-Leaf Aster, Flax-Leaf Aster, Aster À Feuilles De Linaire
Scientific Names: , Aster linariifolius, Chrysopsis linearifolia, Ionactis linariifolia, Ionactis linearifolia, Diplopappus linariifolius, Aster linariifolius var. victorinii, Diplopappus rigidus, Aster linariifolius f. leucactis, Aster rigidus
GBIF Accepted Name: Ionactis linariifolia (L.) Greene