Symphyotrichum ericoides aka Heath Aster

Taxonomy

Symphyotrichum ericoides, also known as white heath aster, frost aster, or heath aster, is a clump-forming perennial herbaceous plant native to central and eastern North America. With slender, branching stems and small lance-shaped leaves, this plant can grow up to 1 meter tall. In early to mid-autumn, it produces large, lax, conical sprays of small white daisies with yellow to dark orange centers. The flowerheads are around 1/3 to 1/2 inch in size. It is important to note that this species is often mistaken for Symphyotrichum pilosum, which shares a similar range but has larger flowerheads with longer ray petals and spine-tipped phyllaries. Additionally, Symphyotrichum ericoides can be found in parts of Europe and western Asia, as it has been introduced there. There is also a hybrid species, Symphyotrichum × amethystinum, resulting from the cross between white heath aster and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), commonly known as amethyst aster. This hybrid can thrive in areas where the parent plants grow in close proximity.

Common names

Heath Aster, Dense Flower Aster, Elongate Aster

How to care for Heath Aster

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Heath Aster due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Heath Aster should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Heath Aster loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Heath Aster thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Elongate Aster.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Heath Aster should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Heath Aster grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia