Hairy White Oldfield Aster

(Symphyotrichum pilosum)

Hairy White Oldfield Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Symphyotrichum pilosum, commonly known as Hairy White Oldfield Aster, is a perennial herb native to open fields, prairies, and roadsides in central and eastern North America. It typically grows 20 to 120 centimeters (8 to 47 inches) tall and features a bushy clump of hairy stems. The plant blooms from late summer to fall, producing numerous small flowers with white ray florets surrounding a center of yellow disk florets. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse due to their abundance. This aster is particularly noted for its adaptability to poor soil conditions and its value to pollinators.

Hairy White Oldfield Aster is appreciated for its late-season blooms, which provide a nectar source for bees and butterflies when other flowers have faded. It is used in wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and as a border plant. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay. While it is drought-tolerant once established, moderate watering will encourage more prolific blooming. It can spread by seed and become aggressive in some conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open fields, prairies, and roadsides in central and eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Frost Aster, Frost-Weed Aster, Heath Aster, Old-Field Aster, Steelweed, Awl Aster, Nailrod, Pringle’s Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, White Heath Aster

Scientific Names: , Symphyotrichum pilosum, Aster pilosus var. pilosus, Aster pilosus var. demotus, Aster pilosus var. platyphyllus, Aster pilosus f. pulchellus, Aster ericoides var. platyphyllus, Aster ericoides var. villosus, Aster ericoides f. villosus, Aster chrysogonii

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphyotrichum pilosum (Willd.) G.L.Nesom