Eurybia divaricata

(L.) G. L. Nesom

White star aster

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves 33,429 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Eurybia divaricata (syn. Aster divaricatus), the white wood aster, is an herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It occurs in the eastern United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains, though it is also present in southeastern Canada, in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. In the U.S. it is abundant and common, but in Canada it is considered threatened due to its restricted distribution. It has been introduced to a number of countries in Europe. It can be found in dry open woods as well as along wood-edges and clearings. The species is distinguished by its flower heads that have yellow centers and white rays that are arranged in flat-topped corymbiform arrays, emerging in the late summer through fall. Other distinguishing characteristics include its serpentine stems and sharply serrated narrow heart-shaped leaves. The white wood aster is sometimes used in cultivation in both North America and Europe due to it being quite tough and for its showy flowers.

Description

A herb. It grows 30-90 cm tall. It grows each year from rhizomes. It forms dense colonies. The leaves at the base, on the stems and on the sides are different. The leaves at the base are heart shaped and 2-7 cm long by 2-6 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The young leaves can be cooked and eaten.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring.

Other Uses

Suited to shade and semi-shade in woodland gardens, it grows and flowers in dry shade and produces fragrant blooms. It flowers earlier than many other asters. The plant provides shelter for invertebrates including insects and other arthropods, supplies nectar and pollen for beneficial insects, and is attractive to butterflies.

Synonyms

Aster boykinii E. S. BurgessAster carmesinus E. S. BurgessAster castaneus E. S. BurgessAster claytonii E. S. BurgessAster claytonii var. claytoniiAster claytonii var. crispicans E. S. BurgessAster corymbosus Sol. ex AitonAster corymbosus var. alatus W. P. C.BartonAster corymbosus var. corymbosusAster divaricatus L.Aster elatus Bertero ex Steud.Aster excavatus E. S. BurgessAster fischeri KuntzeAster flexilis E. S. BurgessAster stilettiformis E. S. BurgessAster tenebrosus E. S. BurgessBiotia corymbosa var. alata (W. P. C. Barton) DC.Biotia corymbosa var. corymbosaBiotia macrophylla var. divaricata (L.) DC.Eurybia corymbosa (Sol. ex Aiton) Cass.