Sericocarpus tortifolius (Michx.) Nees

Dixie Whitetop Aster; Twisted Whitetop Aster

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Twisted Whitetop Aster is a native perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to the southern two-thirds of Alabama, but is most common in the Coastal Plain. Twisted Whitetop Aster occurs in Longleaf pinelands, in scrub oak woods, and in dry or rocky hardwood or pine forests. It is a perennial with a short woody rhizome or caudex. Stems are from 1-3 feet in height and pubescent. Basal and lower cauline leaves are absent at flowering. Stem leaves are alternate, sessile, obovate in outline, with entire margins. The leaves are pubescent with short white hairs and resinous. Leaves are “twisted” (tortuous) and often have axillary fascicles of small leaves. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs. Each head has 2-5 white ray flowers and 6-11 white disc flowers. The fruit is an achene. Twisted Whitetop Aster is an attractive late-flowering species. It is very drought tolerant. Unfortunately, it is rarely available from native plant nurseries. Plants can be grown from seed. Fresh seed should be dried and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months before planting. Seed should be only lightly covered with soil. For many years, this plant was placed in the genus Aster and went by the name Aster tortifolius Michaux. DNA evidence however demonstrated that the Whitetop Asters were in fact more closely related to the Goldenrods (Solidago sp.). The pappus on the fruit is triple, a characteristic shared with some Goldenrods.--A. Diamond

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Native

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