Asters

Asters thrive in a wide range of environments. Species of the genus Eurybia, for instance, typically grow in forest understories or along the edges of mixed woodlands, in sunny to partially shaded areas. The species in this genus favour moist, nutrient-rich soils—or dry, sandy ones.

The genera Doellingeria and Symphyotrichum are also found in a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, disturbed areas such as ditches and roadsides, and along waterways.

Here are a few asters species native to Quebec:

• Largeleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
• White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata, a species listed as threatened)
• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
• New York aster, also called Michaelmas daisy (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)
• Flat-top white aster (Doellingeria umbellata)

The distribution of aster genera is extensive across North America. In general, the genus Eurybia is found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. More specifically, it is found in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and in Québec it is most common in the Cantons-de-l’Est and Montérégie regions.

The genus Symphyotrichum is widespread throughout the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. It grows in British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and in Québec it is found in the Cantons-de-l’Est, Montérégie, Outaouais, and the Montréal area.

The genus Doellingeria has a somewhat narrower range than the other two. It is restricted to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, occurring in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. In Québec, it grows in the Cantons-de-l’Est, Montérégie, Outaouais, and around Montréal.