Big Leaf Aster can grow in the sun or in the shade! I had always seen them in the forest, but a few years back I pulled into a parking spot for a hike and there was a large patch with no tree cover. Plants that are versatile like this make gardening easier since they can live almost anywhere you put them. This plant is also found in moister forests and drier forests. It can definitely handle dry soil. In fact, sometimes this plant has a caudex which is a thickened part of the root that can store energy and water for times of drought.
The composite flowers can have white petals or lavender petals with the florets in the center being yellow. The leaves can be up to 8 inches across and usually about 6” high, but when this plant flowers, the flowering stalks take it up to two feet high, or even a big higher. The flowering stem has leaves growing on it that are not as large as the basal leaves.
Big Leaf Aster spreads by rhizome and I’ve read that in the landscape setting, it can be aggressive. I’ve had it in my yard for 4-5 years and have not had much spread, but keep in mind that you may want to pair it with plants that can keep up with it.
Michigan Flora reference page for statewide distribution: Big Leaf Aster
Height: 6-28”
Bloom Time: August-Oct.
Soil: moist to dry loam, sandy loam
Sun: sun-shade
Plant spacing: 1’
Flower: white to lavender
Life cycle: perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Seed source: Michigan
Sizes:
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Big Leaf Aster can grow in the sun or in the shade! I had always seen them in the forest, but a few years back I pulled into a parking spot for a hike and there was a large patch with no tree cover. Plants that are versatile like this make gardening easier since they can live almost anywhere you put them. This plant is also found in moister forests and drier forests. It can definitely handle dry soil. In fact, sometimes this plant has a caudex which is a thickened part of the root that can store energy and water for times of drought.
The composite flowers can have white petals or lavender petals with the florets in the center being yellow. The leaves can be up to 8 inches across and usually about 6” high, but when this plant flowers, the flowering stalks take it up to two feet high, or even a big higher. The flowering stem has leaves growing on it that are not as large as the basal leaves.
Big Leaf Aster spreads by rhizome and I’ve read that in the landscape setting, it can be aggressive. I’ve had it in my yard for 4-5 years and have not had much spread, but keep in mind that you may want to pair it with plants that can keep up with it.
