White heath asters are part of the Aster family (Asteraceae). These are low, bushy-branched asters up to 3 feet tall, with very leafy branches. Leaves are alternate, small, narrow, and pointed. Flower heads are numerous on the upper lengths of branches, with each head on a short stalk. Flower heads are usually about 1/2 inch wide, with up to 20 white, petal-like ray flowers surrounding a small yellow disk.
This plant blooms in midsummer to fall and is common in upland prairies and occasional in pastures and old fields. It is usually a colonial plant with numerous stems growing together. The larger stem leaves often fall off before flowering, leaving a bushy headed plant with abundant tiny leaves, white flowers, and a bare lower stem.
This plant was previously named Aster ericoides
