Image of Eurybia macrophylla
Source: Donna Bos
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Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
Eurybia macrophylla
Large-leaved Aster
Aster à grandes feuilles

Synonyms

big-leaved aster
large-leaved wood aster
aster à grande feuille
pétouane

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: White Bloom Period: Sep - Oct
Max Height: 1.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
Landscape Uses:
row garden Suitable for Right of Way gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
school garden Suitable for school gardens
woodland garden Suitable for woodland gardens
boulevard garden tolerant Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Ecological Benefits:
butterfly host Butterfly host
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Large-leaved Aster has large, heart-shaped leaves that form an attractive groundcover. Small clusters of pale lavender to white flowers with yellow centres appear on upright stems in late summer and early fall. It naturally occurs in deciduous forests, woodland openings, and forest edges. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but once established it can tolerate moderately dry conditions. Its large foliage makes it useful for filling spaces beneath trees where many smaller plants struggle. Give it room to spread; it may be vigorous for a small, tightly planted border. It performs particularly well beneath deciduous trees. It can be divided in spring if you want to move or control the spread.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Eurybia macrophylla
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Eurybia macrophylla

Specialized Bees Supported by Eurybia macrophylla

  • Andrena asteris
  • Andrena canadensis
  • Andrena placata
  • Andrena simplex
  • Melissodes druriellus
  • Protandrena andrenoides

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
  • Aegopodium podagraria (Goutweed)
  • Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
  • Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Pachysandra)
  • Funkia (Hosta)
  • Symphiotrichum (Non-Native Aster)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
  • Harvesting:
    • Shake seed head in paper bag
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/4 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Not known to be toxic to mammals if ingested.