Sericocarpus asteroides (Toothed whitetop aster) Seed Packet

Approximately 50 seeds per packet
Collected: 2024
Packaged: 2025
Germination code: C60

Please refer to our germination codes and seed growing information for recommendations and tips.

Seed treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 60 days of cold moist stratification to break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or winter, with germination occuring in the spring.

Surface sow only: this species has small or tiny seeds that require light to germinate. Seed should only be sprinkled over the surface of pre-moistened soil, and not covered or buried beneath. Water lightly with a light spray or mist to keep the soil moist. Be careful when watering before germination occurs to not bury or move the seeds.

Sericocarpus asteroides (Toothed whitetop aster) Seed Packet

$5.00

Quantity

Virginia ecotype
Name: Sericocarpus asteroides (Toothed whitetop aster)
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Low growing, clumping, slow spreading
Size: 3 in. - 1 ft. tall, half as wide, usually very short before flowering
Flowering time: June - August
Bloom color: White
Light: Full sun to shade
Moisture: Medium to dry, well draining
Soils: Clay, sand, loam, rocky
Uses: shade gardens, woodland gardens, front of borders, pollinator gardens, dry shady areas

Toothed whitetop aster is a short, politely rhizomatous clump forming plant preferring part-sun to shady sites, and dry to average soil. It is typically found in open habitats such as savannas, meadows, and woodland edges. It also frequently inhabits the difficult ground at the bases of large deciduous trees.

From winter to spring Toothed whitetop aster grows as small clusters of basal rosettes. The foliage is typically a rich, grossy green, providing a striking contrast to the clusters of small, white to cream-pink, daisy-like flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The delicate display draws a variety of pollinators, including small bees, moths and butterflies.

Sericocarpus asteroides is a unique, underrated and very rarely cultivated native species that can thrive in drought, poor soils, and shaded conditions. A closely related species, Narrowleaf whitetop aster (Sericocarpus linifolius) is slightly taller, more erect, with lacy leaves and more concentrated blooms, which grows in much the same conditions.

See species native range (via BONAP)
Seeds sold by WBN as packets are harvested and cleaned from plants grown in our Virginia nursery and wildflower garden. These plants are grown from seed sourced from wild populations. Virginia ecotypes are often sourced within 100 miles of Richmond, VA. Some plants that provide our seed stock are sourced from local growers of Virginia (and neighboring state) provenance native plants.

Because our seed is harvested, cleaned, and carefully selected by hand, packets may contain trace amounts of chaff and inert plant material such as dried petals, small leaves or bits of stem, and fibers or fluff still attached. This material is harmless to seeds and won't impact germination. We guarantee each packet contains at least the number of seeds listed, usually more.
All sales of plants and seeds are final.

WBN will never knowingly sell plants or seeds that do not reach or exceed our high standards. We want to help you produce strong and healthy plants that will thrive in your garden and support native insects and wildlife. Some species do have lower germination rates or are difficult to propagate by seed, and we will make that known if that is our experience or the experience of others.

Generally it is recommended to sow seeds within 1-3 years of collection. Some seeds can remain viable for decades, especially with proper storage. In most cases, native seeds should be stored indoors in paper or glassine bags or paper envelopes in places with low to average humidity, in room temperature or colder, with limited sun exposure.

Because we collect and prepare seeds by hand, some packets may include chaff and other inert plant material like dried petals. This poses no risk to seed germination, viability or storage. We also carefully account for this additional material when preparing our seeds to ensure each packet includes at least the number of seeds indicated.

Got questions? Ask us! We are aways happy to provide advice on germinating, growing, or planting any species.
Seeds (regardless of quantity) are shipped in a padded biodegradable mailer to protect seeds during shipping. All packets come with a printed booklet of our seed germination codes and growing tips.

Once your order ships, we will provide a tracking number to the email provided at the time of order. Orders are shipped to the mailing address provided at checkout. Please ensure your mailing information is correct at time of order.

We will usually pack seed orders within 12 - 24 hours of receipt and ship within 1 - 3 business days. Items generally arrive within 5 days of shipment.

If you believe that any items are missing from your order, please email us ASAP. Any missing items will be sent free of charge.

Free local pickup of seed orders is possible. Please email us and we can arrange for pick-up.

Sericocarpus asteroides (Toothed whitetop aster) Seed Packet

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