White oldfield aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum 
Asteraceae


Landscape Uses:

Wildflower gardens.

Ecological Restoration Notes:

Availability:
Available at native plant nurseries in central Florida.
Description:
Bushy perennial flower 3 feet tall with short, linear leaves. White or rarely pink flowers.
Height:
Up to 3 feet in height, broader than tall.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
Range:
Eastern half of the United States from Maine to Minnesota, south to Louisiana and the Florida panhandle from Escambia to Jefferson counties. A population is also present in Marion county.
Habitats:
Sandhills.
Soils:
Moist, well-drained sandy soils, without humus.
Nutritional Requirements:
Low; it grows in nutrient poor soils.
Salt Water Tolerance:
Low; does not tolerate long-term flooding by salt or brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance:
Moderate; grows near salt water, but is protected from direct salt spray by other vegetation.
Drought Tolerance:
High; does not require any supplemental water once established.
Light Requirements:
Full sun.
Flower Color:
White or rarely pink.
Flower Characteristics:
Showy.
Flowering Season:
Summer to fall.
Fruit:
Wildlife and Ecology:
Attracts native bees and other beneficial insects.
Horticultural Notes:
Comments:
We have been adding data for this species for central and northern Florida and welcome any feedback or review. If you would like to contribute information or images, please contact George Gann via the IRC staff page.