Sericocarpus linifolius aka Narrow Leaf Aster

Sericocarpus linifolius is a wildflower that lives for many years. It belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. People call it flaxleaf whitetop or narrowleaf whitetop aster. Its older name is Aster solidagineus. It is native to the eastern United States. North Carolina State Extension says its range also reaches the Midwest. It grows in woods, barrens, clearings, and meadows. The ground in these sites ranges from dry to moist.

Plants grow in upright clumps, not broad, spreading masses. They reach about 2 feet [0.61 metres] tall. Clumps reach about 0.83 feet [0.25 metres] wide. They grow at a medium rate. The green stems stand straight and feel smooth. They have no scent. Thin green leaves give the plant a fine texture. Each leaf is simple, with no breaks along its edge. Leaves grow in turn along the stem, with no stalks. Most reach about 0.08–0.17 feet [0.025–0.051 metres] long. Leaves at the base wither when the plant starts to bloom.

Flowers bloom from July through October, in summer and fall. Small flower heads form flat-topped groups called corymbs. White ray flowers ring the tube-shaped disc flowers. Each head holds two to six ray flowers. Five to fifteen disc flowers fill the centre. Each head spans less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. The long bloom season gives the plant much of its garden appeal. Insects that spread pollen visit the blooms. Fruits form in summer and fall. Each dry fruit is an achene. It bears a tuft of white bristles called a pappus.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial sun. It grows in sand, loam, clay, and shallow rocky soils. All these soils must drain well. It copes with drought and grows in dry to moist ground. North Carolina State Extension lists USDA hardiness zones 6a through 9b. The plant needs little care when growing conditions suit it.

The small clumps fit gardens with little space to spare. Place them near the front or middle of a border. Their neat form suits native gardens and gardens for pollinators. They also suit meadow plantings and areas left to grow naturally. The flowers make the plant useful in butterfly gardens, too. North Carolina State Extension reports no major pests or diseases. It reports no other major plant problems either.