Symphyotrichum racemosum, commonly known as Smooth White Oldfield Aster, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and meadows across much of the eastern and central United States. It typically grows to a height of 12-35 inches with smooth to slightly hairy stems and bears clusters of daisy-like flowers. The flowers feature white ray florets surrounding yellow central disk florets, which bloom from late summer into fall, typically from August to October. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Smooth White Oldfield Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide a critical nectar source for bees and butterflies when other flowers have faded. It is often used in wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This aster prefers full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, particularly in humid conditions. To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, division every few years is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0