Symphyotrichum pilosum

Common Names

Frost Aster, Hairy Aster, Old Field Aster, Awl Aster, White Heath Aster, White Old-Field Aster, Downy Aster

Summary

Symphyotrichum pilosum, Frost Aster, Hairy White Oldfield Aster, is a North American perennial native to central and eastern regions, it typically grows 2–4 feet tall with many-branched, hairy stems and narrow leaves; the upper stems bear panicles of flower heads with 15–35 white ray florets surrounding a yellow disk that may redden with age, flowering occurs from late summer to fall, and wind-dispersed achenes are produced, it spreads aggressively by seed and rhizomes in disturbed habitats such as prairies, meadows, pastures, roadsides, and open woodlands, prefers full sun to partial shade with mesic to dry, well-drained soils ranging from loam to gravelly, hardy in USDA zones 3–9, easily grown but can be aggressive, spreading by seed and rhizomes, commonly used in wildflower meadows, prairie borders, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens, and valued for pollinator support as a nectar source for bees and butterflies

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-48 inches

Spread

24-48 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (about 5.4–7.0)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

White rays with yellow discs; rays occasionally pinkish or pale violet

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Gray-green foliage, green above and gray below, hoary (white-haired).

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds