Symphyotrichum pilosum, commonly known as frost aster (hairy stems appear to be covered with thick frost) or hairy white old-field aster (hairy white-flowered plants often found growing in old fields) or awl aster (awl-like appearance of narrow pointed involucral bracts), is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that typically grows to 4’ tall and as wide on one or more leafy, sometimes-branching stems. It is native to upland prairies, weedy meadows, pastures, open woodlands, limestone glades, abandoned/old fields, railroad right of ways, roadsides and waste ground.
Larval Host for the
2-4'
2-4'
SIZE
SOIL
Medium, Moist
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade
BENEFITS
Butterflies
NOTES
Tolerates periodic flooding. Stems may be pinched back in late spring to early summer if shorter plants are desired. Plants can spread aggressively by self-seeding.
CHARACTERISTICS
Will Naturalize, Tolerates Flooding, Keystone Species
August, September, October
Flower
This
flowers in
White old-field Aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Symphyotrichum pilosum, commonly known as frost aster (hairy stems appear to be covered with thick frost) or hairy white old-field aster (hairy white-flowered plants often found growing in old fields) or awl aster (awl-like appearance of narrow pointed involucral bracts), is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that typically grows to 4’ tall and as wide on one or more leafy, sometimes-branching stems. It is native to upland prairies, weedy meadows, pastures, open woodlands, limestone glades, abandoned/old fields, railroad right of ways, roadsides and waste ground.