Botanical Name: Eurybia divaricata, Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Other Common Names: White Wood Aster, Blue Wood Aster, Heart-leaved Aster
Brief Description and Notes: Abundant native wildflower that blooms late-summer into fall; can be a bit weedy. Lovely small but plentiful daisy-like flowers, in white or pale blue as the common names indicate. The leaves are toothed and roughly heart-shaped.
Where To Look For It: Dry (or moist but well-drained) open woods; prefers part-shade
Ornamental Value: Charming cottage-garden or native woodland garden perennial; late-season interest; not preferred by deer or rabbit
Ecological Value & Roles: Native late-season pollinator plant; host for butterflies such as Pearl Crescent and Checkerspot.
Edibility and Other Human Use: Young leaves of the white wood aster are edible when cooked.
Sources:
Missouri Botanical Garden-Symphyotrichum cordifolium