Eurybia macrophylla aka Bigleaf Aster

Eurybia macrophylla is a wildflower in the daisy family. It lives for more than one year. Its common names are big-leaf aster and large-leaved aster. Its older name is Aster macrophyllus. It comes from central and eastern North America. Its range takes in Nova Scotia and Minnesota. It also spans parts of the southeastern United States. It grows in woods, thickets, and clearings. These sites range from dry to moist. It has spread into parts of central Europe, too.

Plants grow 2–4 feet (0.61–1.22 metres) tall, with much the same width. Rhizomes, or stems below ground, spread out. Plants grown from seed can help form groups. Large basal leaves grow at the plant's base. They give it a coarse look and feel. These rough leaves have a heart shape and sharp-toothed edges. They span about 0.33–0.67 feet (0.10–0.20 metres). Their pale green stalks often have hairs. Smaller leaves lack stalks and take turns along upright stems. The leaves at the base fade as summer stems grow. Stems can be green, reddish, or purplish. They have hairs near their tips.

Blooms may appear from July through October. Some sources place more stress on fall bloom. Panicles are branched groups of blooms; these have flat tops. They hold flower heads with yellow centres. Their rays range from violet to pale blue. White forms occur less often. Blooms may be sparse, leaving leaves as the main show. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms. Small, bullet-shaped fruits called achenes form from August through October. Each fruit has a tuft of tawny hairs. Wind blows the fruits away from the parent plant.

Give this woodland plant part shade for its best growth and bloom. It grows in deeper shade, too. It does well in moist sandy loam that drains well. It also grows in clay, loam, or sand. It accepts a wide pH range. It needs a fair amount of water but little care. Sources list USDA zones 3–8. Use it beneath trees, on wooded slopes, or in shade gardens. It spreads to cover ground in natural plantings. Small groups suit native plant gardens and butterfly gardens, too.

The cited sources report few major pest or disease problems. Powdery mildew may occur, and slugs can harm plants. Cooks can use tender young leaves as cooked greens. Older leaves grow tough. One source also notes cooked roots in soups. It records past use as medicine, too. This does not show that such treatments work or are safe. It lists no known hazards. That does not prove the plant is safe for pets.