Also known as large-leaved aster, this particular species has flat-topped clusters of whitish, pale violet flowers September to October. It's often planted in woodlands for the textural effect of its large, heart-shaped leaves with coarsely toothed margins. The thick, 8" leaves are edible, but because another common name is lumberjack toilet paper, one should be careful when deciding which leaves to consume. Big-leaved aster is often found in average to moist, well-drained, sandy loams in part shade, though it will also grow in a range of well-drained soils. Full shade will decrease the amount of growth and flowering. It spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies in optimum growing conditions, making it quite useful as a groundcover, especially under trees.
 
Use in open shade gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens, or wooded slopes.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-4' tall and wide.
 
Prefers full to part shade.
 
Prefers average to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates dry conditions later in the summer.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for several species of Lepidoptera larvae. 
 
Resources:
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b918
 
New Moon Nursery: https://newmoonnursery.com/nursery-plants/aster-macrophyllus/
 
The Friends of the Wildflower Garden: https://www.friendsofeloisebutler.org/pages/plants/bigleafaster.html
 
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