Eurybia divaricata, white wood aster
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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 - 8
Zone 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

Identified by dark, wiry, zigzagging stems, heart-shaped toothed leaves with a rough texture, and loose clusters of small white daisy-like flower heads 0.5–0.75 inch (1.3–2 cm) across with yellow discs that age to red-purple. The zigzag stem habit, dark coloration, and heart-shaped leaf base distinguish it from most other asters. Blooms September–October.

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 weeks
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Fall
Blooms September through October in zones 3–8. In zones 8–9, bloom may extend into November. Individual flower heads last 1–2 weeks; the overall flowering display on an established colony spans 4–6 weeks. Discs turn red-purple as they age, adding a warm accent to the white flower heads.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white ray florets with yellow discs aging to red-purple

Foliage Description

dark green with purplish stems

Growing 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

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets