Photo: Mets501CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
White Wood Aster Plant Care
Eurybia divaricata (L.) G.L.Nesom
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eurybia divaricata (formerly Aster divaricatus), commonly known as the white wood aster, is an herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It occurs in the eastern United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains, though it is also present in southeastern Canada, but only in about 25 populations in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. In the U.S. it is abundant and common, but in Canada it is considered threatened due to its restricted distribution. It can be found in dry open woods as well as along wood-edges and clearings. The species is distinguished by its flower heads that have yellow centers and white rays that are arranged in flat-topped corymbiform arrays, emerging in the late summer through fall. Other distinguishing characteristics include its serpentine stems and sharply serrated narrow heart-shaped leaves. The white wood aster is sometimes used in cultivation in both North America and Europe due to it being quite tough and for its showy flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for White Wood Aster?
Water White Wood Aster every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the White Wood Aster Native To?
What Is the White Wood Aster?
White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eurybia genus. White Wood Aster is native to eastern North America. White Wood Aster is also known as Devil's Shoestring, Aster boykinii, Aster carmesinus.
White Wood Aster displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. White Wood Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a White Wood Aster?
Eurybia divaricata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the White Wood Aster Need?
White Wood Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Wood Aster Prefer?
Eurybia divaricata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. White Wood Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Wood Aster?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for White Wood Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a White Wood Aster?
Feed White Wood Aster every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a White Wood Aster?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a White Wood Aster?
White Wood Aster can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to compact aster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the White Wood Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list White Wood Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the White Wood Aster?
White Wood Aster is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the White Wood Aster Need?
White Wood Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. White Wood Aster is native to eastern North America. In cooler regions, grow White Wood Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
White Wood Aster is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eurybia genus — compare its care with other Eurybia species on PlantoScan.
Eurybia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
White Wood Aster thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eurybia Species
Other Eurybia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eurybia divaricata (L.) G.L.Nesom, family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 77(3): 259 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list White Wood Aster, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Mets501, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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