Narrowleaf Whitetop Aster

Sericocarpus linifolius

Native to:
United States, Virgin Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Sericocarpus
Species:
Sericocarpus linifolius
USDA Symbol:
SELI5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Neumoegen's Patch (Charidryas neumoegeni), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Occurs in fire-maintained pine savannas and barrens; responds positively to fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.