Subalpine Aster
Eurybia merita
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © rwr (iNaturalist #133026626)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Eurybia
- Species:
- Eurybia merita
- USDA Symbol:
- EUME17
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, lavender
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Light may aid germination. Sow on surface or barely cover seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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