White Wood Aster (Aster divaricata) is a graceful woodland perennial that brightens late-season shade with clouds of small, white daisy-like blooms. You will see the flowers held on dark, wiry, zig-zag stems above a light, open mound of foliage, making it easy to weave into naturalistic plantings and mixed borders.
Give it part shade to shade and average to dry, well-drained soil. Once established it can handle periods of dryness, but it will look best with occasional water during extended dry spells. Plant it where there is good air movement and avoid consistently soggy spots.
In late summer into fall, masses of blooms provide seasonal interest and pollinator activity when many woodland plants are finished. Leave stems standing into winter if you enjoy a more natural look and want to keep seedheads for added texture.
This plant spreads by rhizomes and can form broad patches over time. If you want to limit its footprint, divide clumps in spring or edge back the outer runners. A light shear in early summer can encourage a tidier, more compact shape before bloom season.