Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster)

Botanical name

Eurybia divaricata

Other names

White wood aster, Aster corymbosus, Aster divaricatus

Genus

Eurybia Eurybia

Species

E. divaricata - E. divaricata is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with wiry, arching, dark purple stems bearing lance-shaped to heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and, from midsummer into autumn, loose corymbs of white flower heads with yellow to red central discs.

Native to

Eastern North America

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming

---

Colour

Flower

White in Summer; White in Autumn

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

---

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Eelworms (leaf and bud) , Michaelmas daisy mite , Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Fusarium wilt , Grey mould , Leaf spot

General care

Pruning

Cut back in late autumn.

Propagation

Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

---

Monthly care advice

---

Where to grow

Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Underplanting, Wildflower, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Woodland

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist soil in partial shade. Tolerates full shade and drier conditions.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster)

Common pest name

Asterleafhopper

Scientific pest name

Macrosteles quadrilineatus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Leafhopper pest native to North America; where it is responsible for purple top wilt disease of potatoes and aster yellows in lettuce. Not known to be present in the UK or elsewhere in the EU and statutory action will be taken in response to confirmed findings.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster)

Common pest name

Corn borer; Corn moth; European corn borer; European maize borer; European stalk borer; Maize pyralid

Scientific pest name

Ostrinia nubilalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous boring pest present in the UK since the 1930’s. A maize-affecting race was detected for the first time in 2010. Industry may wish to monitor for its presence and mitigate against impacts.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Eurybia divaricata (White wood aster)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/