Etymology: Aster: from the Greek aster, "a star," describing the radiate heads of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-4' tall forb
Leaves: usually toothless, lance-like to narrowly-oval, top not rough, stalk not winged, lower leaves mostly with a heart-shaped base
Flowers: head 1"-1 1/2" wide with 10-20 blue rays, bracts (phyllaries) tight; inflorescence loose, branched, sometimes-arching cluster of heads with many leaf-like bracts
Conservation Status: Native

- Leaf margins entire

- All leaves petiolate, petiloes not winged

- Underside of leaves w/ longer hairs, upperside mostly hairless (vs. S. oolentangiense)

- Leaf surfaces not rough (vs. S. oolentangiense)

- Phyllaries hairy (vs. S. oolentangiense)

- Most similar to S. oolentangiense

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Vascular Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key