COMMON NAME: Large-leafed Aster, Big Leaf Aster
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eurybia macrophyllus – the scientific name comes from three
Greek words: macro for large, phylla for leaf.
FLOWER: pale purple, blue, white
BLOOMING PERIOD: July to October. Generally the latest blooming flower in the
North Country.
SIZE: 1 to 3 ½ feet
BEHAVIOR: This aster spreads by rhizomes and can form large colonies of large,
low leaves.
SITE REQUIREMENTS: Dry to medium soil in partial to full shade. It is drought
tolerant and can thrive in shady loam and clay soils with good organic matter.
NATURAL RANGE: From Quebec to Manitoba, south to Georgia, west to Minnesota,
Iowa and Missouri. In Wisconsin it is most common in the north.
SPECIAL FEATURES: The basal leaves are thick, heart-shaped and 6 to 8 inches in
size. The garden value is in the foliage, not the flowers, as this makes a good ground
cover in shady spots that are hard to landscape. It can also help to stabilize slopes
and attracts butterflies.
SUGGESTED CARE: Relatively easily grown in a woodland garden if provided with a
loose soil high in organic matter. Do not overwater.
COMPANION PLANTS: Red Baneberry, Hepatica, Nodding Trillium, Twinleaf, Yellow
Violet and other spring ephemerals.
608-890-2555
staff@foamadison.org
