Woodland aster, is a native herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Native to the Eastern United States this wildlfower typically grows in dry open woodlands, primarily in Appalachian mountain areas.

Woodland aster can grow to a mounding height of 3 feet and spread vigorously by rhizomes reaching its full growth in 2 to 5 years. It prefers partial shade with 3-4 hrs of sun daily in average, medium to dry well-drained soils. It is shade, deer, and drought tolerant. Shearing the plant to 6 inches in early summer produces a more compact plant. Propagate this plant by division in the spring.

The showy white flowers appear in clusters dancing above the heart shaped leaves in late summer to fall and are a favorite of bees and butterflies. The seeds that follow the flower are eaten by birds and small mammals and provide a valuable fall and winter food source. The center of the flowers (disk flowers) change from yellow to red upon pollination.

Use this plant in open shade gardens, woodland areas, native, pollintor, or cottage gardens. It is a tough native plant that blooms in the shade, and that can be hard to find!.

This plant was selected as the 2008 NC Wildflower of the Year , a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

Asters are an important nectar sourcce for migrating monarch butterflies and fall Lepidoptera populations.

Host plant for Field Crescent, Pearl Crescent, Texan Crescent, Roadside Checkerspot, Hoffman's Checkerspot, and American Lady.