White Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Symphyotrichum
- Species:
- Symphyotrichum ericoides
- USDA Symbol:
- SYER
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- white
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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Arcigera Flower Moth (Schinia arcigera), clover cutworm (Agrotis gladiaria), Coleophora astericola, Coleophora ericoides, Coleophora polemoniella, Cucullia alfarata, dingy cutworm (Feltia jaculifera), Gnorimoschema subterranea, kidney-spotted minor (Lacinipolia renigera), Lacinipolia meditata, Orthodes crenulata, Pale-banded Dart (Agnorisma badinodis), Peppered Moth (Biston betularia), Pseudorthodes vecors, Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), Meadow Crescent (Phyciodes pratensis), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from rootstock after fire; benefits from periodic burning in prairie systems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Surface sow; seeds require light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI