Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-40" tall forb; stems often with zigzagging, hairy lines; from creeping, colony-forming rhizomes
Leaves: mostly along the stem, spoon-shaped, toothed, narrowing before the flaring, widely winged, clasping base
Flowers: head 3/4"-1 1/8" wide with 20-35 blue to pale purple rays; inflorescence of several to many heads in open clusters with a few leaves
Fruits: dry seed with lines of hairs on yellowish, fluffy pappus
Habitat: moist to moderate moisture; meadows, woods, streambanks

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"