Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) ‘First Snow’ is a beautiful selection of the native Heath Aster, that features a profusion of white flowers that blanket fine, needle-like foliage at the end of the season. Although these leaves may look sharp from a distance, they are soft and comfortable to the touch. Blooming in late summer through fall, it creates a soft, frothy texture that looks like drifting snow against the fading colors of the landscape and its naturally dense, mounding habit stays tidy without feeling rigid. 'First Snow' is a beautiful addition to garden beds and borders, cottage gardens, meadow plantings, and pollinator gardens.
Heath Aster 'First Snow'
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Mature Size: 20 - 24" tall and 2 - 3' wide
Spacing: 3' apart
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Season: August - October
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Moderately. Deer don't prefer it, but they will browse it when other plants are not available.
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay and heavier soils.
Plants in the Symphyotrichum genus are known host plants for 1 local pollinator in northern Utah. Heath aster is a valuable pollen and nectar source for many native pollinators in the late season, including migrating Monarchs. It also provides habitat and seeds for birds.