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White Wood Aster

Eurybia divaricata

Last reviewed: June 2026

White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) is a native perennial wildflower that blooms from August through October across eastern North America. This shade-tolerant plant produces white daisy-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.

White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

White wood aster is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small white daisy-like flowers from late summer through fall. This shade-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and provides reliable late-season color when many other plants are finished blooming.

Growing White Wood Aster

Grow White Wood Aster in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Wood Aster is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Dies back completely in winter

Wildlife value

Host plant for pearl crescent butterfly.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the crucial late-season period when nectar sources become scarce. Seeds also provide food for songbirds in fall and winter.

Common questions

When does White Wood Aster bloom?
White Wood Aster blooms from August through October, providing late-season nectar when many other native plants have finished flowering.
What pollinators visit White Wood Aster?
White Wood Aster attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The late bloom period makes it especially valuable for fall-migrating butterflies and late-season pollinators.
Where is White Wood Aster native?
White Wood Aster is native to eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Michigan and Kentucky. It naturally occurs in woodland areas across 21 states.
What growing conditions does White Wood Aster prefer?
White Wood Aster thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture conditions. It is well-adapted to woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
Is White Wood Aster HOA-friendly?
White Wood Aster is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow White Wood Aster? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz