Bigleaf Aster

Eurybia macrophylla

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Eurybia
Species:
Eurybia macrophylla

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
White, Blue, Purple

Native Range

United States: Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Dejongia , Dichomeris levisella, Phaneta alterana, Phaneta perfuscana, Tischeria astericola

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Sanderson bumble bee (Bombus sandersoni), Sanderson bumble bee (Bombus sandersoni), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded woodland areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds collected in Acadia National Park, Maine by Martin van der Grinten during September/October by hand harvesting. The range of Large-leaved Aster is from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Georgia. Found in semi-shaded areas or dry woods.

Source: npn.rngr.net