Oregon Whitetop Aster

Sericocarpus oregonensis

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Sericocarpus
Species:
Sericocarpus oregonensis
USDA Symbol:
SEOR6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 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)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rhizomes following fire; historically found in fire-maintained oak woodlands and prairies.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Surface sow; seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

Pre-treatment: Sow seed into trays filled with stabilized medium plugs (Q-plugs). Seal trays inside plastic bags and refrigerate at 1 to 3 °C for 60 days. Check trays weekly and keep moist. If mold is evident, treat with 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Source: npn.rngr.net