Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: weakly erect, perennial, 4"-20" tall forb; several wiry stems with fine hairs
Leaves: many, linear, short, stiff, entire
Flowers: head 3/4"-1 1/4" wide with 10-20 violet rays; inflorescence solitary or with several heads in a loose, branched cluster; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry seed with a long, thick, tawny, fluffy pappus
Habitat: dry; prairies, woods, cliffs; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information