This native perennial species of aster is found throughout Eastern North America. It is very similar to the panicled aster (S. lanceolatum), except that it has a stem that has numerous white hairs and is fuzzy in appearance. When this species is backlighted, it often appears to be covered with frost. The leaves are lance-shaped and somewhat willow-like, though variable in size. Teeth are either absent or sparse, but there are often marginal hairs. The plant frequently branches and these branches also produce flowers. The composite flowers have a yellow disk and white ray florets. There are about 20-40 rays per flower. Each flower is ½ to ¾ inch wide. The plant grows 1-4 feet high and is found in fields, meadows and waste areas, generally in full sun. It begins blooming in late summer but may continue through October. It is also called the hairy white oldfield aster. It may also be mistaken for the heath aster (S. ericoides), but the latter normally has smaller, thinner leaves.