Steelweed Symphyotrichum pilosum

Frost aster is a native herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that may grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. One of its common names old field aster comes from its tendency to grow rapidly in disturbed sites. 

Frost aster prefers full sun and grows well in wet or dry conditions and in rocky or sandy soils.

The leaves are alternate with a smooth margin. Both the stem and leaves are covered with fine hairs. The roots are fibrous and form a woody crown. Showy delicate, white flowers daisy-ike with a yellow center first mature in late summer and persist into late fall providing a seed source to song birds over the winter.  

Because this plant attracts polliantors like butterflies and bees, and the seeds provide a food source for birds and small mammals through the fall and winter this plant makes an exellent addtion to a pollinator or winter garden.  

Seasons of Interest: 

     Blooms: Late Summer/Fall; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Winter

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.  Asters can have some susceptibility to powdery mildew and aster wilt. Poorly-drained clay soils and poor air circulation can contribute to this. Improving drainage and good air circulation helps reduce the incidence of foliar diseases. It is considered weedy in most of the eastern U.S. 

VIDEO: Part of the Native Plant Picks series from the North Carolina Sea Grant led Coastal Landscapes Initiative.