Symphyotrichum pilosum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom

Frost Aster; White Oldfield Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

White Oldfield Aster is a native perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It occurs statewide in Alabama. White Oldfield Aster grows in a variety of disturbed habitats from old fields to roadsides, along rail roads, and in vacant lots. It produces from one to five stems from a stout rootstock. The stems are hairy as are the alternate leaves. Stems often become reddish with age. The largest leaves are produced towards the base of the plant. Those among the flowers are much reduced. Flowers are produced in heads. The ray flowers are white, and the disc flowers open yellow then turn purple-brown as the flowers age. White Oldfield Aster is occasionally offered for sale by wildflower nurseries. It is a very tough plant and can survive poor soils and drought. It does tend to be aggressive in the garden, sending out many plants from the roots. It also produces copious amounts of small wind-dispersed seed. It does flower late into the year and offers a source of nectar for any stray butterflies that are still about. --A. Diamond

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Native FAC- (NWPL)

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