Contents
Description
Symphyotrichum Ericoides, also known as White Heath Aster, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in different habitats such as meadows, prairies, open woods, and along streams. The plant has a height of 30cm to 120cm and a spread of 45cm to 60cm. It produces numerous small white flowers with yellow centers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. The leaves are narrow, dark green, and have a rough texture. The plant is a great addition to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Symphyotrichum |
Appearance
The Symphyotrichum Ericoides plant has a slender and upright growth habit. Its stems are slender, smooth, and light green. The leaves are linear, lanceolate, and have a rough texture. The plant produces numerous small white flowers with yellow centers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are daisy-like and have a diameter of 1.5cm to 2.5cm. The plant has a height of 30cm to 120cm and a spread of 45cm to 60cm.
Care Guide
- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water it deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat the process every four to six weeks until mid-summer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but will produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Symphyotrichum Ericoides is a relatively disease and pest-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected leaves. The plant is not typically affected by pests, but it can be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Symphyotrichum Ericoides is native to North America and can be found in different habitats such as meadows, prairies, open woods, and along streams. The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but will produce fewer flowers. It can also tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The plant grows well in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Symphyotrichum Ericoides a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Symphyotrichum Ericoides is a great plant for beginners. It is relatively easy to care for and requires moderate watering, full sun to partial shade, and well-draining soil.
Q: How do I propagate Symphyotrichum Ericoides?
A: Symphyotrichum Ericoides can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. Division is best done in the spring or fall, while stem cuttings are best taken in the summer.
Q: How often should I fertilize Symphyotrichum Ericoides?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat the process every four to six weeks until mid-summer.
Q: How tall does Symphyotrichum Ericoides grow?
A: Symphyotrichum Ericoides can grow up to 120cm tall.
Related Plants
- Symphyotrichum laeve
- Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
- Symphyotrichum oolentangiense
References
- “Symphyotrichum ericoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=290299&isprofile=0&basic=Symphyotrichum%20ericoides.
- “White Heath Aster.” Plant Database. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SYER3.
- “Symphyotrichum ericoides (L.) G.L. Nesom.” ITIS Report. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=38668#null.
