The White Heath Aster (Aster ericoides) is an indigenous species whose distribution is given in our manuals as “Canada, Florida, and the Mississippi,” “Maine and Ontario to Florida, west to Wisconsin and Kentucky,” and “South New England to Minnesota and southward,” the variety _pilosus_ “mainly in the Western States.” It is one of the commonest Asters throughout Ohio, occurring doubtless in every county in our State. The variety _pilosus_ seems to be the common form in our region, and may be seen growing in rich and poor soil with almost equal thrift, and occurring in all habitats except the woods and swamps. Its capacity for adaptation to the advance of civilization is remarkable, and this occasions the remark now very generally heard among the farmers that it is a “new weed in the region,” “not known here five years ago,” “just came all at once,” “the latest and worst weed we have,” and other expressions of similar import. As a matter of fact, the roadsides in many places are lined with it, fields with a poor stand of clover, timothy, or blue grass are completely covered with it, and all waste places, vacant lots, and neglected spots are profusely decorated with the same. [Illustration: _Plate 3._ KELLERMAN ON ASTER.] The plant is a rather coarse weed; but in spite of this fact it is somewhat attractive because of the masses of green foliage and the white flowers that become prominent before the summer is gone, and last throughout the early and middle autumn. The stems are tough and wiry and this gives the local name “Steelweed,” a common designation in Adams County and adjoining regions. It is said by some, however, that this name is given it “because the flowers are the color of bright steel.” Another name frequently applied in the localities mentioned is “Bee-plant” for reasons suggested in the name itself, and still another is “Stickweed,” for which I could learn no explanation. Other common names which Britton enumerates are Frost-weed, Michaelmas Daisy, Farewell Summer, White Rosemary, Dog-fennel, Mare’s-tail, and Scrub-bush. Though complaint against this plant is universal in some sections, it is not, I think, well founded in all cases. It has some merits now and then acknowledged by those who are close observers. The allegations pro and con may be summarized as follows: