Aster divaricatus 'Eastern Star'
Aster divaricatus 'Eastern Star' is a graceful native woodland aster with branching stems covered in small white star shaped flowers that brighten shaded gardens in late summer to early fall. Its airy form and abundant blooms bring a naturalistic feel to woodland borders while providing valuable late season resources for pollinators.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Part shade to shade
Soil Preference: Average to moist well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drier conditions once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern North America and is naturally found in woodland edges, open forests, and shaded areas where it contributes important late season habitat for native pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts late season butterflies including Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and skippers which rely on its abundant nectar when fewer flowers are available.
Bees
- Supports native bees and bumblebees which gather nectar and pollen from its numerous small flowers.
Birds
- Provides seeds for songbirds after flowering and adds seasonal habitat within native garden settings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow its branching habit to fill in while maintaining good air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, native plantings, and naturalized areas where its bright flowers can illuminate darker garden spaces.
Companion Plants
- Heuchera americana (American Alumroot) - Provides attractive foliage and a native woodland companion with similar shade preferences.
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) - Adds fine textured evergreen foliage that creates a soft ground layer beneath the airy blooms.
- Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) - Offers spring flowers and attractive foliage that complements the later bloom period of Eastern Star.
- Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Brings tall woodland structure and late season interest in shaded gardens.
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon's Seal) - Adds graceful arching stems and foliage that pair naturally with woodland asters.