Sneezewort Aster Solidago ptarmicoides

Prairie aster is a herbaceous perennial wildflower and part of the Solidago, or Goldenrod, genus. Unlike most Goldenrod species, however, the Prairie Aster displays a mass of white ray flowers with pale yellow centers disc flowers, rather like a typical "daisy." It looks unlike other goldenrods. This difference likely led to the plant's original classification as Aster ptarmicoides, but that was corrected to Solidago ptarmicoides. Although it has aster-like white ray petals, this plant has goldenrod-like foliage and it is reported to hybridize in the wild with other goldenrods, but not with other asters. This plant is listed as endangered in North Carolina.

Note that the pollen that causes hay fever comes from ragweed, not goldenrod. 

Native to dry, sandy soils, rocky outcrops, and cracks in pavement, this hardy plant easily tolerates drought and dry soil. The Prairie Aster prefers full sun, although it accepts some light shade, and, while it does best in dry sandy or gravelly calcareous soils, it will tolerate moist loams as long as the site is well-drained. The plant grows as an unexceptional mound of green foliage until late summer when flowers explode into bloom.

After flowering, seed heads form, containing small clusters of seed with white fluff that you should harvest promptly if you wish to save and reuse the seed. The plant does self-seed and spread in the garden and to prevent it from taking over, you should remove flower heads prior to the ripening of seed, which will help prevent seed dispersal. Stems may be cut to the ground in late fall.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to rust, powdery mildew and leaf spot. Root rot may occur in overly-moist or poorly-drained soils. Potential insect pests include several different types of beetles, aphids and gall-forming insects.