perennial

Eastern Star Woodland Aster

Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

21 inches

Width

27 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Prefers average

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Eastern North America (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Eurybia divaricata, the white wood aster, is a tough, rhizomatous perennial native to eastern North American woodlands. It is cherished for its ability to produce a profusion of starry flowers in dry shade where few other plants will bloom. 'Eastern Star' is a selected cultivar known for its more compact habit, darker stems, and larger, more abundant flowers than the straight species. The dark stems provide a striking contrast to the bright white, yellow-centered flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This aster creates a cloud of delicate, starry white flowers in late summer and fall, brightening up shady corners of the garden. The dark stems of 'Eastern Star' add to its visual appeal, providing a lovely contrast with the flowers.

It is a workhorse for difficult dry shade conditions, thriving where many other perennials fail. It spreads to form an attractive groundcover that helps suppress weeds under trees and shrubs.

As a late-season bloomer, it provides a crucial source of nectar for a wide variety of native bees, flies, and butterflies preparing for winter or migration. It is a key species for supporting pollinators in a woodland habitat.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in part to full shade with well-drained soil.
Amend soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Water regularly the first season, then it becomes drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

Cut plants back by half in early June to promote a bushier habit and prevent flopping, though this may slightly delay flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a location with afternoon shade.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Divide every few years to control spread and rejuvenate clumps.

Don't

Don't plant in full, hot sun.
Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brightening up dry shade gardensWoodland edge and understory groundcoverLate season pollinator plant for shade

Companion Plants

Heuchera americana Polystichum acrostichoides Tiarella cordifolia Carex pensylvanica Actaea racemosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eastern Star Woodland Aster questions

What zones can Eastern Star Woodland Aster grow in?

Eastern Star Woodland Aster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eastern Star Woodland Aster deer resistant?

Yes — Eastern Star Woodland Aster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Eastern Star Woodland Aster bloom?

Eastern Star Woodland Aster typically blooms in late summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Eastern Star Woodland Aster need full sun?

Eastern Star Woodland Aster does best in part shade.

Is Eastern Star Woodland Aster drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eastern Star Woodland Aster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.