Bigleaf Aster
Aster macrophyllus
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Pl. D77C — Aster macrophyllus
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IOverview
Overview
Bigleaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus) is a perennial forb/herb known for its light and moisture preferences, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Native to regions including Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, it can also be found across parts of Canada such as Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. This plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with a pH range of 4.9–6.9. It is valued for its edible leaves and roots, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where it can flourish in areas with well-drained to moist soils.
Quick answers
What is Bigleaf Aster?
Bigleaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus) is a perennial forb/herb known for its light and moisture preferences, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Bigleaf Aster thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 4.9 and 6.9. Hardy in zones 3-7, this perennial can reach up to 0.6 meters in height. For propagation, use root cuttings or division. Harvest leaves and roots for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
4.9–6.9
For first-time growers
How to grow Bigleaf Aster for the first time
7steps
Start with Bigleaf Aster by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Aster macrophyllus seeds or young plants, garden tools like a trowel and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil that is well-draining with a pH between 4.9 and 6.9, ensuring it's not too heavy or sandy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flower heads in late winter or early spring to maintain plant health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Bigleaf Aster's leaves and roots are edible. They can be prepared in various ways—raw or cooked—and may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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