Other common names:
Lance-leaved Aster, White Panicle Aster Other scientific names: Aster lanceolatus, Aster hesperius, Aster paniculatus, Aster simplex French names:
Aster simple Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters Distinctive features:
Open spreading form. Dead stem leaves very curly. Similar species: • Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) • Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) - Stem very hairy, resembles frost (although there is a variety that is not hairy!). • Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) Flowers: Summer, Autumn; White; 7 or more parts (petals); 1-2cm in diameter. Ray flowers: 16-47, usually white. Disc flowers: 20-40, whitish to yellowish, turning purple. Flowers spread out, not on one side of the stem. Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Entire; Long and narrow, lance-shaped. Dead leaves along the stem tend to be very curly, as in a spiral. Lower leaves usually gone by flowering. The biggest leaves are in the upper middle of the stem. Height:
Up to 100 cm (39 in) Habitat: Forests, Fields and Open Areas, Meadows; Moist low areas, open or forested. Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun Lifespan:
Perennial. Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 456 Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 94 Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Common.
Notes:
A very common Aster. Identify it by the curly dead leaves.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: lanceolatus: lance-shaped For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers Photographs:
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