White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)

White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata, also known as Aster divaricatus) is a shade-loving native herbaceous perennial with sprawling, zigzagging stems and distinctive heart-shaped foliage. Abundant flat-topped clusters of small white flowers with yellow or red centers bloom from midsummer into fall.

Native to eastern North America, including Georgia, it grows best in part sun and dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil. It offers drought tolerance and brings seasonal color to shaded plantings.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Origin: Eastern North America; Georgia native
• Mature height: 1–2.5 feet
• Mature spread: 1.5–2.5 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 2.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Part sun to full shade
• Soil: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Flowers: White blooms with yellow or red centers
• Bloom season: Midsummer into fall
• Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves
• Additional trait: Drought tolerance

Care and garden use

Provide good air circulation and morning sun to help reduce foliar disease. Watch for powdery mildew; aster wilt may occur in poorly drained soil.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, rock gardens, water-wise gardens, naturalized areas, or containers with suitable light and drainage.

Image credits: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Eurybia divaricata kz2 and Eurybia divaricata kz1, CC BY-SA 4.0; Me, Aster divaricatus R0019870, CC BY-SA 3.0; R. A. Nonenmacher, Eurybia divaricata SCA-03387, CC BY-SA 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.