big-leaf aster ‘Twilight’

Eurybia macrophylla ‘Twilight’ (big-leaf aster ‘Twilight’) is an aster noted for their large basal leaves.

It is sometimes planted in wooded areas more for its foliage effect than for its fall flowering which is sometimes sparse. It has heart-shaped, rough, sharply-toothed, leaves that are 4-8″ wide. Stems are purplish. The blooms are flat-topped clusters of flowers with violet to pale blue rays and yellow centers bloom on sticky, glandular flowers stalks in August and September. The tender, young leaves of the straight species, Eurybia macrophylla, may be cooked and eaten as greens. This was done by the Algonquin people, while the Ojibwe tribe bathe their heads as an infusion of this plant to treat headaches. They also smoke it as a hunting charm to attract deer.

Botanical Name Eurybia macrophylla ‘Twilight’
Common Name big-leaf aster ‘Twilight’
Family Asteraceae
USDA Zone 3 thru 9
Light Requirement Part Shade to Full Shade
Season(s) of interest summer, fall, winter
Height and Spread 2.5-3ft x 2-3 ft (75-90cm x 60-90cm)
Flower Color Lavender-Blue
Attracts Wildlife Attracts Pollinators,
Additional Information Cultivated Form of a Native Plant.
Location in Lurie Garden North Dark Plate, Southeast Dark Plate, Southwest Dark Plate, East Dark Plate

 

Average Flowering Time