True to its name, this woodland aster has very large, heart-shaped basal leaves that can be 6–8 inches across, carpeting the forest floor.
Seeds are eaten by some songbirds, while the foliage is used by caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species.
Forms colonies through rhizomes, creating dense groundcover that helps suppress weeds and stabilize woodland soils.
Indigenous people reportedly used parts of the plant for respiratory remedies and poultices.
True to its name, this woodland aster has very large, heart-shaped basal leaves that can be 6–8 inches across, carpeting the forest floor.
Seeds are eaten by some songbirds, while the foliage is used by caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species.
Forms colonies through rhizomes, creating dense groundcover that helps suppress weeds and stabilize woodland soils.
Indigenous people reportedly used parts of the plant for respiratory remedies and poultices.
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Habitats: beech-maple woodlands; elevated areas (hummocks) in swamps; sandy oak savannas; sandy oak woodlands; stabilized sand dunes where oak trees are dominant; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry-mesic
Plant type (height): forb (6 to 12 inches)
Requirements: partial sun to moderate shade
Soil: rich loam; sandy loam
