SCIENTIFIC NAME: Symphyotrichum ericoides ( Aster ericoides)
COMMON NAME: Heath Aster, White Heath Aster, Aster Ericoides
BLOOM TIME: Aug, Sept, Oct
PLANT PROFILE:
- Compact 3 ft. plant.
- White flowers are tightly bunched along column, with 12 white petals around a yellow disk.
- Found in prairies, pastures & old fields.
- Habitat full sun and dry conditions, & is common in Illinois.
INSECT/PLANT INTERACTIONS:
- The caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterflies feed on the foliage or flowers.
- The caterpillars of many moth species feed on foliage or flower.
- White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbits and various kinds of livestock also feed on the tender growth of young plants.
- A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers.