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(Eurybia spectabilis)
Eastern Showy Aster (Eurybia spectabilis)
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Doug McGrady
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Doug McGrady
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Doug McGrady | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Doug_McGrady | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Yokosuka, Japan
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 24" - 60" | 67" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 68°F - 91°F | 85°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 8°F - 35°F | 36°F | OK, but your winter temperatures are warmer than normal for this plant | OK |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Eurybia spectabilis, commonly known as the Eastern Showy Aster or Purple Wood Aster, is a herbaceous perennial native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows in the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. The plant forms clumps of arching stems with heart-shaped, toothed leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces clusters of showy flowers with violet-purple ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets, which are highly attractive to pollinators.
The Eastern Showy Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide color when many other perennials have finished flowering. It is used in garden borders, native plant gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This aster is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. To maintain vigor, clumps can be divided every few years.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Eastern Showy Aster is valued for its late-season blooms, which provide color when many other perennials have finished flowering. It is used in garden borders, native plant gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. This aster is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. To maintain vigor, clumps can be divided every few years.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows in the eastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Eastern Showy Aster , Purple Wood Aster
Scientific Names: Aster spectabilis , Eurybia spectabilis , Aster ×commixtus , Aster spectabilis var. suffultus , Aster spectabilis var. cinerascens , Biotia commixta , Aster elegans , Aster smallii , Eurybia commixta , Aster bellidiflorus var. salicinus
GBIF Accepted Name: Eurybia spectabilis (Aiton) G.L.Nesom