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Perennials
Eurybia divaricata
white wood aster
AsteraceaeEastern United States and Canada
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width18-36 inches (45-90 cm)
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 8Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
A rhizomatous, spreading perennial in the family Asteraceae, native to the deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. Plants form mounded, slightly arching colonies 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) wide of dark, wiry, zigzagging stems bearing heart-shaped, toothed leaves 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long with a rough upper surface, dark green with purplish stems. From late summer through fall, the stem tips branch into loose, airy clusters of small daisy-like flower heads 0.5–0.75 inch (1.3–2 cm) across, each with 6–12 white ray florets surrounding a small yellow disc that ages to red-purple. The overall effect in September–October is of white flowers floating in drifts over dark foliage. One of the most shade-tolerant fall-blooming perennials available. Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies; can be vigorous in moist, humus-rich soil. All parts mildly toxic.
Native Range
Native to the eastern United States and Canada, from Ontario and Quebec south to Georgia and Alabama, growing in deciduous woodlands, woodland edges, clearings, and disturbed forest sites, typically in dry to moist, humus-rich, acidic soils under partial to full shade.Suggested Uses
Excellent ground cover and border plant for shade and partial shade at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. One of the few plants that blooms reliably in dry shade in September–October. Naturalizes well in woodland gardens. Combines effectively with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials. Supports specialist native bees and late-season pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Colors
Flower Colors
white
yellow
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~5 weeksJ
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Fall
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white ray florets with yellow discs aging to red-purpleFoliage Description
dark green with purplish stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range4.5 - 7.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
moist
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
1-2 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial to full shade in moist to dry, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 4.5–7.0. Tolerates dry shade better than most shade perennials once established — one of its most useful qualities. Water during establishment; established plants tolerate considerable drought under tree canopies. Cut back by one-half in late spring (Chelsea chop) to produce more compact, self-supporting plants with more flowering stems. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to control spread and maintain vigor; discard old woody center portions.Pruning
Cut back by half in late May to early June to reduce height and increase branching — this produces a more compact plant that does not require staking. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall or early spring. Divide in early spring every 3–4 years to manage the spreading rhizomes; replant divisions at 18 inch (45 cm) spacing.Pruning Schedule
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late springfall