Eurybia divaricata

White Wood Aster is a two foot-tall, rhizomatous, drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial which grows in open, dry woods and shady clearings in much of the Eastern U.S., including many mountain and piedmont couties in NC. This plant lights up shady, dry woodland sites with delicate white daisy-like flowers from September to November. The heart-shaped basal leaves make an attractive ground cover in spring and may be cooked and eaten as greens. White Wood Aster is a vigorous plant, even in dry shade, and thus can play an important role in difficult locations. Excellent for wildlife, it attracts butterflies and provides food and nesting material for Juncos, Sparrows and Goldfinches in winter, if left standing after flowering.