Photo: wackybadgerCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Large-leaved Aster Plant Care
Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eurybia macrophylla, commonly known as the bigleaf aster, large-leaved aster, largeleaf aster or bigleaf wood aster, is an herbaceous perennial in the family Asteraceae that was formerly treated in the genus Aster. It is native to eastern North America, with a range extending from eastern and central Canada (from Nova Scotia to Manitoba) through the northeastern deciduous and mixed forests of New England and the Great Lakes region and south along the Appalachians as far as the northeastern corner of Georgia, and west as far as Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas. The flowers appear in the late summer to early fall and show ray florets that are usually either a deep lavender or violet, but sometimes white, and disc florets that are cream-coloured or light yellow, becoming purple as they mature. It is one of the parent species of the hybrid Eurybia × herveyi.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Large-leaved Aster?
Water Large-leaved 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.
What Is the Large-leaved Aster?
Large-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eurybia genus. Large-leaved Aster is also known as Bigleaf Aster, Largeleaf Aster, Aster macrophyllus.
Large-leaved Aster displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Large-leaved Aster produces daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Large-leaved Aster?
Eurybia macrophylla 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 Large-leaved Aster Need?
Large-leaved Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Large-leaved Aster Prefer?
Eurybia macrophylla grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Large-leaved Aster prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Large-leaved Aster?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Large-leaved Aster to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Large-leaved Aster?
Feed Large-leaved 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 Large-leaved 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 Large-leaved Aster?
Large-leaved Aster can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to compact aster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Large-leaved Aster Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Large-leaved 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 Large-leaved Aster?
Large-leaved 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 Large-leaved Aster Need?
Large-leaved Aster grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Large-leaved Aster as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Large-leaved 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.
Large-leaved 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 macrophylla (L.) Cass., family Asteraceae (first published in Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 37: 487 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Large-leaved 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: wackybadger, CC BY-SA 2.0, 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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