About Symphyotrichum ericoides (L.) G.L.Nesom
Symphyotrichum ericoides (L.) G.L.Nesom is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its stems grow to between 30 and 91 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) tall. Its leaves are narrow, sessile (stalkless), and get smaller closer to the top of the plant and the tips of its branching stems. Flower heads are white, rarely pinkish, with yellow centers. They measure 8 to 10 millimeters (1⁄3 to 1⁄2 inch) across, and bloom starting in late summer through the fall season. This species is commonly confused with Symphyotrichum pilosum, which grows alongside it throughout most of S. ericoides's range. S. pilosum has larger flower heads with longer ray petals. Its phyllaries have spine tips, while phyllaries of S. ericoides do not—curled edges on S. ericoides phyllaries can make them look like they do, however. Symphyotrichum ericoides grows from Canada, across much of the United States, down into the Mexican states of Coahuila and Nuevo León. The nominate variety S. ericoides var. ericoides prefers open locations with sandy, gravelly, or disturbed soil. Indigenous peoples of the Americas have used Symphyotrichum ericoides for medicinal purposes. Documented use by the Meskwaki includes using the plant to revive an unconscious person, and using it as an herbal steam in a sweatbath.
