Definition

Noun 1. A perennial herbaceous plant: Aster ericoides is the scientific name for a specific species of flowering plant commonly known as the heath aster or white heath aster. It is characterized by its numerous, slender branches, fine, needle-like leaves resembling those of heath plants, and a profusion of small, daisy-like flowers with white petals (ray florets) and a yellow center (disk florets).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Aster ericoides is a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators.
  • The delicate, starry blooms of Aster ericoides brighten the autumn landscape.
  • In the garden, heath aster (Aster ericoides) provides excellent texture and a cloud of white flowers.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts: The name is used for precise scientific classification and identification. In modern taxonomy, some authorities may reclassify it under a different genus (e.g., ), but remains a widely recognized synonym.
  • The specimen was keyed out and confirmed to be Aster ericoides.

Variants and Related Words

• Heath aster: The most common English common name for this plant.
• White heath aster: A more descriptive common name.
• Symphyotrichum ericoides: The accepted scientific name in some modern taxonomic systems.
• Frost aster: A common name sometimes used for this and similar species.

Synonyms

• Heath aster
• White heath aster

Related Terms (Botanical Context)

• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years.
• Composite flower: A flower head made up of many small florets (characteristic of the Asteraceae family).
• Ray florets: The petal-like outer florets.
• Disk florets: The small, tubular florets in the center.

Noun

1. common much-branched North American perennial with heathlike foliage and small starry white flowers