Eurybia macrophylla (Fr: aster à grandes feuilles | En: large-leaved aster)

Description:

Eurybia macrophylla is similar to some asters of the Symphyotrichum genus, but have immensely larger leaves. It often carpets dry shady areas, often those on rocky soils such as under oak trees. Its flowers are quite large too and buzz with pollinators during autumn.

This species has been traditionally harvested in spring and and boiled and used in a similar way as spinach. Other animals also readily eat the leaves such as game birds, rabbits and deer.  

Consider planting en mass or letting it take over a shady area, as it naturally forms beautiful patches as seen in the photos below.

Height: 15 cm, flowering to .5-1 meter

Flowering: August to September

Habitat: forests, forest edges, rock barrens

Sun requirements: Part shade, sun

Moisture requirements: dry to moderate

Soil requirements: often on alkaline rocky soils