The Plant Store is now closed for 2023 and will re-open for sales in May of 2024

  • Please see the Using the Plant Library  page  for some tips on how to make the most of the information here to select species for creating a healthy native plant community suited to the conditions of your site.

Eurybia macrophylla, Bigleaf Aster

Eurybia macrophylla 

Bigleaf Aster

  • Part sun to deep shade
  • Average to poor, sandy soils. Tolerant of acidity
  • Foliage grows to roughly 8" in height, flowers can grow up to 24" in rich settings. Spreads to form a patch. If planting as a groundcover I'd suggest 8" to 12" spacing.
  • Groundcover for tough garden settings, woodlands and forests.

Looking for a tough, native, groundcover species for dry shade? Please allow me to introduce Bigleaf Aster.

They are a spreading species with lush foliage that stays green through the full growing season, even in sandy loam or the acidic, post glacial till commonly found in the rocky Canadian Shield landscape. Growing in more moderate soil and moisture conditions, under an urban spruce tree for example, won’t faze them a bit.

In addition to bringing lush foliage to challenging locations, they bloom as many other species are winding down for the season, holding up loose sprays of white to pale purple blooms well into the fall.

Their foliage height is around 8” to 12” with their blooms growing to 16” to 24” in the dryer settings I’ve seen them in. They may grow a bit taller with more moisture.

They prefer a dappled or full shade setting, are perfectly capable of thriving in deep shade, with more sporadic blooming, and aren’t recommended for spaces in direct sun.

Species that were not sown / aren't being sown for 2023 are marked with an * 
Species that are native to this continent, but not historically native to Ontario are marked with a ~ 
While it rarely comes up, I do reserve the right to limit plant quantities, mostly to help ensure that as many native plant gardens as possible become a reality
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