Eurybia furcata
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Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: forked aster
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Central-eastern United States
Garden Location: Suzanne Stagg Wright Rock Garden
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White rays with yellow center disk
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Uses: Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained, sandy loams of average moisture in part shade. Tolerates full sun. Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions. Reportedly needs cross-pollination for seed production.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Forked aster is the rarest of the Missouri native asters, having been found only on certain Ozark river bluffs in Jefferson, Franklin, Shannon, Texas and Douglas Counties (Steyermark). It is also native to Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Arkansas where it is similarly rare but is found in more varied habitats including rich woodlands, wood margins, meadows, along railroad tracks and along ponds and streams. It is a rhizomatous perennial that typically grows 1-3’ tall. White asters (white rays and yellow center disks) bloom from July to September. Of the native Missouri asters, it is one of the earliest to bloom. Serrate, ovate-acuminate, dark green leaves (to 5” long). Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Open shade gardens, native plant gardens or woodland gardens.

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