HEATH ASTER, Aster ericoides L. 1, root; 2, upper part of stem with flower; 3, seed. Perennial, growing from a slender rhizome. Stems erect, much branched, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall, densely covered with hairs. Leaves small, 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) long, rigid, linear, entire, numerous. Flowers 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) across when open, very numerous; 8 to 20 white ray flowers, yellow disk flowers. Seeds silky-hairy, 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, light brown. Found in pastures, meadows, and waste places, and on roadsides.