Hairy White Oldfield Aster: A Late-Season Native Wildflower Worth Growing
If you’re looking for a native wildflower that delivers when most other plants are calling it quits for the season, let me introduce you to the hairy white oldfield aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pilosum). This unassuming perennial might not win any beauty contests in spring, but come late summer and fall, it transforms into a cloud of tiny flowers that both pollinators and wildlife appreciate.
What Is Hairy White Oldfield Aster?
Don’t let the hairy part of the name scare you off – it simply refers to the plant’s slightly fuzzy stems and leaves. This native North American perennial is a true wildflower that belongs to the aster family. You might also see it listed under several old botanical names, including Aster pilosus or Aster villosus, as plant taxonomists have been busy rearranging the aster family tree in recent years.
As a perennial forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), this aster grows to about 3 feet tall with a moderate growth rate. It spreads by rhizomes, so don’t be surprised if it slowly expands its territory over time – though it’s not aggressive about it.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This is one adaptable native! Hairy white oldfield aster calls most of North America home, from the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, all the way down through almost every state in the lower 48. You’ll find it growing wild from Maine to Florida, and from the East Coast clear out to Texas and up to the Dakotas.
Why Consider Growing It?
Here’s where this humble aster really shines: it’s a late-season MVP for pollinators. When most flowers have finished their show, hairy white oldfield aster bursts into bloom in late summer and fall, creating masses of small white to pale purple flowers. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators absolutely love having this reliable nectar source when pickings get slim.
While it may not be a major food source for wildlife (providing only 2-5% of the diet for large animals and terrestrial birds), it does offer some cover and contributes to the overall ecosystem.
What Does It Look Like?
Picture a plant that’s understated for most of the growing season, then suddenly explodes into a fountain of tiny star-like flowers. The individual blooms are small, but they appear in such abundance that the entire plant looks like it’s covered in a delicate white to pale purple cloud. The green foliage has a medium texture and creates a nice backdrop for the fall flower show.
The plant maintains an upright, somewhat spreading form and can get quite conspicuous when it’s in full autumn bloom. After flowering, it produces small brown seeds that aren’t particularly showy but will self-sow if conditions are right.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about hairy white oldfield aster is how easygoing it is. This plant has adapted to a wide range of conditions across its native range, and it brings that flexibility to your garden.
Soil requirements: It prefers medium-textured soils but is quite adaptable. The pH can range from somewhat acidic (5.4) to neutral (7.0), so most garden soils will work fine.
Sun and shade: While many asters demand full sun, this one is surprisingly shade tolerant. It will bloom best in full sun but can handle partial shade without too much complaint.
Water needs: Once established, it has medium drought tolerance, making it a good choice for lower-maintenance gardens or areas where irrigation is limited.
Hardiness: With a minimum temperature tolerance of -33°F, this aster can handle cold winters across most of the United States.
Planting and Propagation
You have several options for getting hairy white oldfield aster established in your garden:
- Seeds: With about 700,000 seeds per pound, a little goes a long way! Seeds can be direct sown in fall or spring, though they need at least 110 frost-free days to mature.
- Transplants: Container-grown plants or bare-root specimens work well for quicker establishment.
- Cuttings: If you know someone with an established plant, cuttings can be taken for propagation.
- Division: Since it spreads by rhizomes, you can divide established clumps.
Keep in mind that seedling vigor is considered low, so be patient with young plants. Once established, though, the vegetative spread rate is rapid, so it will fill in over time.
Best Uses in the Garden
Hairy white oldfield aster isn’t the plant for formal flower borders or manicured landscapes. Instead, it excels in:
- Prairie and meadow plantings
- Naturalized areas
- Wildlife gardens
- Low-maintenance landscapes
- Areas where you want late-season pollinator support
- Transition zones between cultivated and wild areas
Its fire tolerance also makes it a good choice for areas prone to wildfires or where prescribed burns are used for management.
Potential Drawbacks
Let’s be honest – this isn’t a showy ornamental for most of the growing season. It’s also not commercially available from most nurseries, so you’ll need to seek out native plant sales or specialty suppliers. The plant can spread via rhizomes, so it might wander more than you’d like in smaller, more controlled garden settings.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a major wildlife food source, this aster provides only modest benefits in that department.
The Bottom Line
Hairy white oldfield aster is a plant for gardeners who appreciate subtlety and ecological function over flashy blooms. If you have space for a naturalistic planting and want to support late-season pollinators with a truly native plant, this undemanding aster deserves consideration. It’s particularly valuable for extending the blooming season in prairie gardens and meadow plantings, offering that final burst of nectar before winter settles in.
Just remember: patience is key with this one. Give it time to establish, and you’ll be rewarded with reliable late-season blooms that both you and the local pollinators will appreciate.
