Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star'

Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star' is a most valuable player in the shade garden. This North American native, commonly called a White Wood Aster, tolerates drought and shade (including full shade) and produces abundant clusters of ¾-inch white, Daisy-like flowers with golden or reddish centers that are a late-season food source for butterflies. The plant is easy to recognize with its stout, compact habit, heart-shaped, toothed foliage, gleaming mahogany stems, and, of course, masses of flowers in late summer and fall.

Although taxonomists have reclassified the 23 species (and one natural hybrid) once included in the genus Aster as Eurybia, the common name "Aster” is still widely used. Along with other reclassified North American genera such as Symphyotrichum and Doellingeria, Eurybia remains part of the large Aster family (Asteraceae), which also includes familiar plants like Sunflowers, Cosmos, Zinnias, and even Lettuce. With one exception from Eurasia, Eurybia species are herbaceous perennials native to North America and valued for their ecological importance, occurring across the continent in a range of habitats—from forests and woodland edges (often in rocky, shallow soils on slopes) to dry, sandy coastal areas, and dry to mesic prairies. Their Daisy-like, composite flowers, made up of ray and disc florets, are especially important for pollinators and wildlife. These tough, somewhat rhizomatous plants tolerate drought and other harsh conditions, making them excellent, low-maintenance choices for pollinator gardens and naturalized plantings, and while they are generally not favored by deer, occasional nibbling may occur.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: yoor-rib' ee-uh

Eurybia species are almost exclusively North American native plants adapted to various habitats. The eastern woodland species, such as E. divaricata, grows in forests and woodland edges, often in rocky, shallow soil and on slopes where many other plants struggle. These tough, somewhat rhizomatous plants withstand drought and harsh conditions, freely self-sow, and are good, low-maintenance choices for pollinator gardens and for naturalizing in shady situations, forming a ground cover.

Light: Naturally grows in part shade to full shade, but some morning sun is desirable as well.

Soil: Plants require good drainage and are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and to average garden soil. Eurybia divaricata grows well in shallow, rocky soil with some organic content provided by leaf litter. Plants will not tolerate waterlogged soil. A slightly acidic pH is preferred, but not entirely necessary. Mulch with dried leaves, hardwood bark, or Pine bark chips until plants fill in.

Watering: Native to dry, open woodlands, once established this plant appreciates a drink during times of drought, which helps to promote flowering. Otherwise needs little or no supplemental water, except in extreme conditions. In situations with more sun, provide more moisture.

Fertilizer: A top-dressing of compost in spring is appreciated. Decomposed leaves are ideal; fertilizer is rarely necessary.

Pests/Diseases: Not often bothered by pests or diseases. Susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil; possible powdery mildew if crowded—provide good air circulation.

Dividing/Transplanting: Divide or transplant in spring, preferably on a mild overcast day. Gently dig up the clump and carefully separate portions by hand or cut with a sharp knife or pruners. Replant and water well to promote establishment.

Companions: Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis), Blue-stem Goldenrod (Solidago caesia), and Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) are natural companions.

Continuing Care: Planted in a woodland garden or situation similar to its preferred habitat, this is the ultimate low-maintenance plant. Neat clumps of green, heart-shaped, basal foliage remain throughout the winter and should not be cut back. Small seeds are valuable food for songbirds and small mammals, so let dried bloom stems remain standing until spring, at which time they can be cut down to make way for new growth. Or, if you wish to recruit more plants, simply press seeds into bare soil in fall, or shake stems to release seeds on fluffy parachutes into the air. Eurybia divaricata and other woodland species depend on decomposing leaves, so you can even leave the leaves where they fall. These plants spread by rhizomes and can be dug and transplanted in spring.

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