Other common names:
One-sided Aster, Small White Aster, Starved Aster, White Woodland Aster Other scientific names: Aster lateriflorus, Aster diffusus, Aster vimineus, Solidago lateriflora French names:
Aster lateriflore Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae) Group: Asters Distinctive features:
Long horizontal branches. Sparse flowers. Similar species: • Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) - Leaves much smaller and more numerous, flowers very numerous. • Arrow-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum) - Leaves are larger, branches are upswept. • Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) Flowers: Summer, Autumn; White; 7 or more parts (petals); 1cm or less in diameter. Ray flowers: 8-15, white. Disc flowers: 8-16, yellow or pink becoming purple or brown. Flowers are scattered along branches. Flowers grow along the upper side of the branch. Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Entire; Similar to Panicled Aster, but smaller: elongated lance-shaped. Height:
30-80 cm (11-31 in) Stem:
Long horizontal branches spread out from main stem. Habitat: Fields and Open Areas, Meadows; Fields. Often found at the edge of a field, such as along trails, in slightly shaded locations. Grows in Sun/Shade:
Sun, Shade Lifespan:
Perennial. Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 456 Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 96 Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Common.
Notes:
This is a very common Aster. It is common along roadsides and field edges. It's fairly easy to recognise.
For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers Photographs:
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The distinguishing feature of Calico Aster is its form: open spreading branches, with relatively sparse flowers. This may have given rise to its other common name, Starved Aster..
