hairy white oldfield aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Hairy white oldfield aster is a native of fields and roadsides in the eastern United States, with small white flowers from late summer into fall. Fine hairs on its stems and leaves help distinguish it, and it can spread enough to become weedy. It is also called frost aster.

Appearance

Growth form: It is a branching perennial usually 8 in–4 ft (20–120 cm) tall, though some plants grow taller. The base of the plant becomes woody.
Leaves: The narrow leaves alternate along the stems. The typical variety has fine hairs on both stems and leaves.
Flowers: Each small head usually has white around a yellow center that ages reddish purple or brown. Many heads form an open, branching spray.
Flowering time: Across its main U.S. range, the typical variety flowers mainly from August through October.
Fruit: The small, dry fruits carry a white .

Look-alikes

New York asterSymphyotrichum novi-belgii

New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) usually has blue-violet or purple ray flowers and broader leaves that partly clasp the stem. Hairy white oldfield aster usually has smaller white flower heads and narrower, hairy leaves.

Why they get mixed upBoth are branching eastern asters that bloom in late summer and fall.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: old fields
prairies and meadows
roadsides and open woods
Range: It is native to eastern North America and occurs across much of the eastern United States, from New England and the Great Lakes south to Florida and west into the central plains.
Preferred conditions: It grows in full sun on disturbed ground and tolerates dry or wet, sandy, rocky, and other well-drained soils.
Flowering: Flowers Aug–Oct
Flowers Aug–Oct

Life cycle

Reproduction: It spreads by seed and may also expand from short underground stems.
Seed dispersal: The pappus helps the seeds travel on the wind.

Name and classification

About the name: It was formerly called Aster pilosus.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The name oldfield aster points to its habit of quickly occupying disturbed fields.
Its small white flowers provide late-season color in native and pollinator gardens, but its spreading habit needs room.

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