White heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is a herbaceous perennial with a height of 3 feet although it can be stunted to as low to 18 inches" because of wind and dry conditions. It thrives on the driest sand and gravel soils, producing bright white flowers in late summer and early fall. It will slowly expand by rhizomes to form nice patches, making it a potential ground cover. It refers full sun and average to dry conditions but will tolerate loam, clay, or gravelly material, and alkaline soil.

Heath aster is a valuable plant for late season pollinators. Long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles are attracted to its flowers. It is a host plant for pearl crescent butterflies and many moth species.