Azure Aster Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (formerly Aster oolentangiensis)

Other common names: Sky Blue Aster Other scientific names: Aster oolentangiensis, Aster azureus Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters Distinctive features: Sparse azure blue ray flowers, Loose and open growth form. Leaves feel like fine sandpaper. Resembles Heart-leaved Aster, but the leaves are different, and is more open. Similar species:   •   Heart-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) - More compact, leaves deeply lobed at base.   •   Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) - Leaves rubbery and smooth.   •   Fringed Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum ciliolatum) - Larger leaves. Flowers: Summer, Autumn;  Blue/Violet;  7 or more parts (petals);  Rays wide, relatively. Leaves: Alternate, Simple;  Feel like fine sandpaper. Few teeth or toothless, not deeply lobed like those of Heart-leaved Aster. Lower leaves are long arrowhead-shaped. Height: 50-100 cm (19-39 in) Habitat: Fields and Open Areas, Meadows;  Dry areas, prairie-like areas, edges of woods. South Ontario only. Grows in Sun/Shade: Sun Lifespan: Perennial.   Books: Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 354    Native/Non-native: Native Status: Not overly common, but not rare. Notes: This Aster is hard to describe except in terms of what it's not. Generally it looks like an open Heart-leaved Aster, but without the distinctive leaves of that species. The flowers are smaller and more compact, the ray flowers are "chunkier". This would be one of the later Asters for a novice to learn. For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers Photographs: 137 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS. Range Map is at the bottom of the page

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