White wood-aster

Asters — White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata) Seeds

$ 4.75

This late summer to early fall-blooming woodland aster makes a handsome landscape plant. Dark green, heart-shaped leaves with deeply-toothed edges make a low, tidy clump from spring to mid-summer. In August, dark flowering stems emerge and open to clusters of small white flowers with yellow centers. Attracting butterflies and bees, the yellow centers turn red as the flowers are pollinated. This aster is a charming, low maintenance landscape plant for shady gardens. Tolerates dry soils.

Native to Maine: Yes

Growing conditions: Part to full shade in medium to dry soil

Grows up to: 12-18"

Blooms: In late summer

Pairs well with: Spring-blooming woodland wildflowers, blue lobelia, blue-stem  goldenrod, ferns, and zig-zag goldenrod

Natural habitat: Woodland edges and in the understory of deciduous forests with moist to dry soils

Seeds per packet: 50-100

Germination Code(s): A
These seeds do not need a winter or cold period to germinate - the rate of germination may be higher if the seeds are exposed to a period of cold, but it is not required. Sow outdoors in pots November through April. A great species for beginner seed-sowers.

Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.