Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Aster
Plant Common Name
Aster
General Description
Garden asters have for centuries been one of the most beloved and often-used garden plants. The genus Aster includes approximately 250 species, the majority of which hail from North America. Recent DNA studies and evaluation of plant characteristics have led taxonomists to reclassify many taxa traditionally belonging to Aster into new genera to include Symphyotrichum, Ampelaster, Canadanthus, Eurybia, Ionactis, and Oclemena, as well as others. North American asters have encountered the most name changes. For technical reasons, the new generic names are currently not searchable in the L2G plant database. We hope to incorporate them into the search soon.
These variable plants may occur as annuals, perennials, biennials or subshrubs and appear in a wide variety of habitats, including shaded woodlands, moist meadows, dry uplands and rocky, alpine areas. Most are clump-forming and many grow from short or spreading rhizomes (lateral underground stems). Their lance-shaped, linear or spatula-shaped foliage is produced near the ground and held alternately on branched or unbranched stems, with or without petioles (leaf stalks). The leaves may be hairy or hairless with smooth, divided or toothed margins. The daisy flowers consist of a central head of tiny, tubular disk florets (usually yellow) surrounded by a ring of linear, strap-shaped ray flowers in shades of white, pink, purple or violet-blue. The fruit resembles small sunflower seeds with hairs attached to facilitate dispersal by wind.
Asters are very adaptable, and there is a species or cultivar suitable for almost any garden habitat, including woodlands, moist pond sides, and dry, sunny sites. Most bloom in late summer or fall and are therefore valuable for breathing life into tired, late-season beds and borders. Their bright daisies are highly attractive to many insects, including bees and butterflies, and also make excellent, long lasting cutflowers.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
