Old Field Aster

Symphyotrichum pilosum

Old Field Aster image

Old field aster, commonly called white heath aster, hairy white oldfield aster, frost aster and awl aster is a native plant reaching a height of 2 to 5 feet. The plant is in flower from August to October with white to pale purple flowers with bright yellow centers. The flowers are an important food source for butterflies and bees in late summer and fall. Several kinds of asters were used medicinally by Native Americans.  The Pawnee burned the stems and applied the resulting charcoal to irritated skin. The Ojibwa seasoned fish with aster leaves.