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Eastern Showy Aster (Eurybia spectabilis (Aiton) G.L. Nesom)

Also known as purple wood aster.

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↑Range - Expand

LegendColor
Native
Native or Not Present

This map is based on our research. We have checked its accuracy to Level 3 ecoregions. Although this plant occurs somewhere in each of these regions, it may only occur in a small part of some or all of them.

↑Habitat

Found primarily in the southeastern coastal plain. Natural habitats include pine-barrens, pine flatwoods, open oak-pine woodlands, especially clearings and edges in these woods, around rock outcroppings, clay soil, ponds, or peat bogs. Also found in anthropogenic habitats including abandoned fields, roadsides, and anthropogenic woodland borders.

This species tolerates both very dry / excessively-drained, and waterlogged / poorly-drained conditions. Tolerant of highly acidic soils. It is usually limited, however, to sites with difficult soil conditions that hinder the growth of other plants. Most often found in sandy soils, but also found in dry clay soil and over rock outcroppings, particularly of granite. It is somewhat tolerant of salt spray and can also occur in coastal areas as well as along roadsides exposed to road salt.

Prefers a full sun exposure with little competition from other plants, but can tolerate light shade from an open canopy of trees, especially if only on one side.

This species is uncommon and threatened in much of its range; it is most abundant and secure in southern NJ. This species has not been extensively studied and it is not known exactly what is necessary to protect it, nor has much effort been placed into its conservation. It may benefit from prescribed burns.

↑Uses

This species is widely used in gardens, where it is valued for its showy flowers and generally being easy to grow. It is especially well-suited to being grown in the coastal plain as it is highly tolerant of the specific difficult soil conditions that often exist in this region.

• Eurybia spectabilis (eastern showy aster) | USDA PLANTS Database (About This Site)

• Eurybia spectabilis | Go Botany (About This Site)

• Purple Wood Aster | iNaturalist (About This Site)

• Eurybia spectabilis | Biota of North America Project (BONAP) (About This Site)

• Eurybia spectabilis | NatureServe Explorer (About This Site)

• Eurybia spectabilis | Flora of North America (About This Site)

• Eastern Showy Aster | Maryland Biodiversity Project (About This Site)

• Eurybia spectabilis (Ait.) Nesom (Showy Aster, Eastern Showy Aster) | Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora (About This Site)

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