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Eurybia macrophylla (Bigleaf aster)
Brundage, Stephanie

Eurybia macrophylla

Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass.

Bigleaf Aster, Large-leaf Wood-aster

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s): Aster ianthinus, Aster macrophyllus, Aster macrophyllus var. apricensis, Aster macrophyllus var. excelsior, Aster macrophyllus var. ianthinus, Aster macrophyllus var. pinguifolius, Aster macrophyllus var. sejunctus, Aster macrophyllus var. velutinus, Aster multiformis, Aster nobilis, Aster riciniatus, Aster roscidus, Aster violaris

USDA Symbol: EUMA27

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

A 1-3+ ft. wood-aster with very large (4-8 in. wide), heart-shaped, basal leaves. White or violet flowers occur in open clusters.

 

From the Image Gallery

17 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3-1/2 feet tall, often much shorter.
Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Que. to MN, s. to upland GA & TN
Native Habitat: Open woods, thickets, clearings

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist to drier soils
Conditions Comments: The foliage of this species is showier than the flowers. It is best used as a ground cover.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Pearl Crescent
(Phyciodes tharos)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Sow seeds, 5/8" deep, outside in fall or provide cold stratification. Also propagated by "softwood" cuttings taken in late spring or by division of clumps.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: UPL UPL FACU FACU UPL
This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Eurybia macrophylla in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Eurybia macrophylla in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Eurybia macrophylla

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-12-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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