Subalpine Aster

Eurybia merita

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Purple

Native Range

United States: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: British Columbia

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)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers forested areas with organic matter

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: 5 month cold, moist stratification. Seeds can also be sown without stratification.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in late August and early September when achenes separate easily from the receptacle. They are grey at maturity and are collected in paper bags and stored in a drying shed prior to cleaning.

Source: npn.rngr.net