Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 1 1/2' - 4' tall forb; stems with the upper half usually densely hairy
Leaves: hairy below, shallowly-toothed, mostly oval to lance-like with heart-shaped bases on long winged stalks
Flowers: head 1"-1 1/2" wide with 10-20 blue rays, bracts (phyllaries) somewhat loose; inflorescence of many heads in conical, branched clusters
Habitat: clearings, open woods
Conservation Status: Native

- Leaf margins toothed (vs. S. shortii)

- Leaf bases cordate

- Petioles prominently winged

- Leaves sand papery rough (vs. S. urophyllum & S. ciliolatum)

- Leaves not strongly reduced above (vs. S. oolentangiense)

- Upper stems densely and evenly short hairy (vs. S. urophyllym & S. ciliolatum)

- Most similar to S. ciliolatum

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information