Like many things early in April, White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) is emerging from the soil to greet spring.

I’m thrilled to see it in many places in the woods up here. An herbaceous perennial found in the eastern US and southeastern Canada but most often found in the Appalachian Mountains.

One of the first asters to bloom in autumn densely covering the plant with small, white, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers that fade to dull purply red. These charming blossoms top dark purple stems.

The nectar of the White Wood Aster is attractive to butterflies and the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) seems particularly drawn to the flowers. A butterfly, much to my delight, that seems to enjoy being a model for my photos.