Plant Profile

Big-leaf Aster - (Eurybia macrophylla) is a flowering, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the daisy family typically found in moist to dry forests. At maturity, its blooming stem can reach a height of 4 feet with an equal width in foliage. This shade-loving plant with large basal leaves will produce violet to pale blue flowers, with yellow centers, in early fall. The flowering, however, can be sparse and it may be more useful for its heart-shaped foliage. (Often has been remarked as a good substitute for toilet paper when in a pinch.)

Big-leaf Aster does best in moist, well-drained, sandy or loam soils. This is a woodland species that will grow in shade, but best flowering and growth is in part shade. During the summer, stems with alternate leaves are produced, while the basal leaves wither away.

The plant will spread by means of rhizomes or self-seeding and will form colonies in optimum growing conditions. It can be useful as a ground cover.