Common Name:

General Information

Symphyotrichum ericoides is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; it produces a loose or dense cluster of erect to ascending, much-branched, slender stems 20 - 80cm tall, occasionally to 100cm[, ].
The plant has been harvested from the wild for local medicinal use, though is probably not used at the present time. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, there are many named forms[, ].
This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - North Dakota to Ontario and Maine, south to Arizona, Texas and Mississippi

Habitat

Open, dry to moist, well drained, sandy or gravelly, disturbed soils, prairies, glades, dunes, fields, shores, railroad rights-of-way, roadsides; at elevations from 30 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is best adapted to dry and medium wet, well-drained soils found in open areas like prairies with sandy, gravelly, or rocky substrates. It is drought hardy and does well in sun and partial sun[].
The plant is generally not browsed by deer[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Native Americans used this plant in sweat baths. Flowering plants served as binding to the structure of the sweat lodge and were added to hot rocks to produce herbal steam[].
The plant has also been used medicinally to revive unconscious patients[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Pre-chilling the seed for two weeks can improve germination rates[]. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn[].
Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.